GOOD PROCESS: Atlanta Falcons GM Delivers Promising Draft | Will Coaches Deliver Wins in 2026?
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In this episode of Locked On Falcons, host Aaron Freeman breaks down the Atlanta Falcons' 2026 NFL Draft, praising General Manager Ian Cunningham's process—particularly the value-driven, consensus-based selections on Day Two—but expressing cautious optimism about the team's on-field results. While the draft class, highlighted by first-round-caliber corner Avion Terrell and versatile rookie Zachariah Branch, reflects strong drafting discipline, Freeman emphasizes that long-term success hinges on the coaching staff, especially the unproven offensive mind of Kevin Stefanski and play caller Tommy Reese. He contrasts the Falcons' strategic approach with the Eagles' 'traits over value' model on Day Three, arguing that while it’s a high-risk, high-reward strategy, it aligns with Atlanta’s historical success under Dan Quinn and could yield breakout players like Jordan Mailata. The episode concludes with a call for patience: good process doesn’t guarantee wins, but it sets the foundation for future growth.
Good drafting process doesn't guarantee winning seasons—coaching quality is the biggest variable.
Avion Terrell is a high-floor, high-upside pick who could immediately upgrade Atlanta’s secondary.
Zachariah Branch’s value depends on the coaching staff’s ability to integrate him beyond a gadget role.
The Falcons’ Day Three strategy of chasing 'unusual traits' mirrors the Eagles’ model and could yield breakout players.
Chasing consensus value in Rounds 4–5 is more reliable than reaching in Rounds 6–7.
…and 1 more takeaway available in PodZeus
Welcome & Intro to the Draft Discussion
Aaron Freeman welcomes listeners to the Locked On Falcons podcast, introduces the topic of Ian Cunningham's draft process, and teases the episode's focus on the difference between process and results.
Process vs. Results: The Core Dilemma
“If you have the 18th best head coach or the 18th best offensive coordinator in the NFL, it's probably not going to move the needle for this team in a significant way.”
Avion Terrell & the Coaching Advantage
The discussion centers on Terrell’s potential as a top-tier corner, with confidence in Jeff Ulbrich’s defensive scheme to maximize his versatility and immediate impact.
Zachariah Branch: Fit Over Talent
“Drafting Zachariah Branch is something that's going to potentially really help Tua Tunga-Vailoa more so than helping Michael Penix.”
The Coaching Staff: A Question Mark
“You know, maybe he's a mid tier play caller. Maybe that's a good outcome relative to the body of work we've seen so far, but like, that's not significantly different or better than what we've gotten over the last decade.”
“Drafting Zachariah Branch is something that's going to potentially really help Tua Tunga-Vailoa more so than helping Michael Penix.”
“If you have the 18th best head coach or the 18th best offensive coordinator in the NFL, it's probably not going to move the needle for this team in a significant way.”
“It's like getting second and third round outcomes with a fifth or sixth round pick. It's going to be very advantageous for your football team, even if it's not consistently hitting.”
Host
Guest
Avion Terrell
person
Zachariah Branch
person
Philadelphia Eagles
organization
Ian Cunningham
person
Kevin Stefanski
person
Terry Fontenot
person
Tommy Reese
person
Tua Tunga-Vailoa
person
Jeff Ulbrich
person
Dan Quinn
person
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