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Atlanta Falcons 2026 Defense: Unit Rankings & Outlook
Jul 6, 2026Raymond SummerlinSharp Football Analysis
Getting things ready
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The following is an excerpt from Warren Sharp's 2026 Football Preview . In addition to Warren's deep, detailed write-up on all 32 NFL teams, each chapter features page after page of full-color charts, stats, and heatmaps, as well as defensive analysis from Raymond Summerlin. Click here for a full FREE chapter from the 2026 Football Preview . With the 2026 NFL season fast approaching, let's look at the defense of the Atlanta Falcons and preview how it might perform this season. Atlanta Falcons 2026 Defense Preview: A Unit-by-Unit Breakdown The Falcons ranked 23rd in yards allowed per carry to running backs (4.5) last season and 27th in explosive run rate allowed to the position (13.6%). That is a big concern considering their best option against the run, David Onyemata, left in free agency. The Falcons’ top three along the defensive line are still on their rookie contracts, but no one in that group has proven to be a standout player. Brandon Dorlus did show potential last year, his first extended run of NFL action. He finished the season with 8.5 sacks, though his 8.9% pressure rate suggests that total was a little bit lucky. That said, Dorlus also made plays in the backfield in the running game, and he could be primed for more in 2026. Atlanta ranked 15th in pressure rate (37.0%) last season, but they were second in the league with 57 sacks. Atlanta is in limbo on the edge because of the offseason allegations against James Pearce, who was not at offseason workouts. He led the team with 10.5 sacks and posted an impressive 13.6% pressure rate as a rookie. They also cannot count on last year’s sack-to-pressure ratio keeping up in 2026. Also a first-round pick last year, Jalon Walker did not have the same level of success as Pearce, but he did finish with 5.5 sacks and an 11.0% pressure rate. Atlanta added Samson Ebukam, Azeez Ojulari, and Cameron Thomas to the edge group in free agency. The Falcons lost Kaden Elliss in free agency, opening a massive hole in their linebacker rotation. Despite playing in just 13 games, something that has been an issue throughout his career, Divine Deablo looked like a quality starter in his first season with the Falcons last year. The spot next to him, though, remains an open question. Atlanta allowed 7.1 yards per pass attempt (20th) last season and ranked 14th in EPA allowed per pass attempt. A.J. Terrell had a solid season, finishing 14th among qualified corners in yards allowed per coverage snap and tying for 18th in passes broken up. The Falcons added his brother Avieon Terrell in the draft, and the younger Terrell has a real shot to earn a starting job. Jessie Bates was not quite as impactful from a takeaway perspective last year, but he remains one of the best safeties in the league. A third-round pick last year, Xavier Watts started all 17 games as a rookie and finished fourth in defensive rookie of the year voting. Sydney Brown was added this offseason via trade, and he could help out in the slot in “big nickel” packages while Billy Bowman recovers from injury. This analysis continues in the 2026 Football Preview Order Warren Sharp's 2026 Football Preview to Get Penalty Analysis for All 32 NFL Teams Warren Sharp’s 600+ page full-color PDF, the 2026 Football Preview , is unlike anything you have read. Stunning visualizations, including new heat maps and stat pages, are built with the reader in mind. Innovative, next-level thought processes abound in every team chapter and article. Get Warren's Book…