For the Atlanta Falcons, the focus is now fully on the offseason — but this one will look different under new leadership from the front office down to the head coach.
Owner Arthur Blank fired general manager Terry Fontenot and head coach Raheem Morris, and he also ended Rich McKay’s run as CEO. In their places are Ian Cunningham as general manager, Kevin Stefanski as head coach, and Matt Ryan in a new role as president of football.
Those three will now spearhead a new era of Falcons football, with one major question hanging over the franchise: What will Atlanta do in the 2026 NFL Draft?
After trading away their 2026 first-round pick to the Los Angeles Rams last year to select James Pearce Jr., the Falcons won’t be making their first selection until Day 2. That isn’t ideal, but it does put even more emphasis on their No. 48 overall pick in the second round.
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Before the draft arrives April 23-25, the Falcons may also have to make a major decision on tight end Kyle Pitts. The former first-round pick is set to become an unrestricted free agent.
If Atlanta chooses not to re-sign Pitts or use the franchise tag, it could make sense for the Falcons to target Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers — a player ESPN’s Matt Miller recently mocked to Atlanta.
“With Kyle Pitts Sr. set to hit free agency, the Falcons could be looking for a new starting tight end,” Miller wrote. “Stowers is a true F-tight end prospect with a game very similar to Harold Fannin Jr. from last year’s class.”
That comparison stands out, considering Fannin broke out as a rookie with the Cleveland Browns under Stefanski, who has built a reputation for getting production out of tight ends.
In 16 games, Fannin posted 72 receptions for 731 yards and six touchdowns, taking advantage of his opportunity while David Njoku dealt with injury. Njoku also thrived under Stefanski during his time in Cleveland.
Eli Stowers Could Be a Perfect Fit in Falcons Offense
Stowers would be an intriguing option for Atlanta, especially under new offensive coordinator Tommy Rees.
A former four-star quarterback recruit, Stowers moved to tight end after originally committing to Texas A&M in the 2021 class. He transferred to New Mexico State for the 2023 season, then spent the past two years at Vanderbilt, where he combined for 1,407 receiving yards and nine touchdowns.
Pairing Stowers with Bijan Robinson and Drake London could give Atlanta a legitimate trio of weapons, while also providing quarterback Michael Penix Jr. another playmaker as he continues to develop in his second season as starting quarterback.
“Stowers’ elite athleticism was on full display this season, as he led all FBS tight ends with 769 receiving yards,” Pro Football Focus’ Ryan Smith wrote. “The jury is still out on quarterback Michael Penix Jr. as he enters his third NFL season, but adding a weapon like Stowers would surely help his development in Atlanta’s offense.”
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