REACTION: Atlanta Falcons Chase UPSIDE at Linebacker With Kendal Daniels | Day 3 NFL Draft Recap

The Locked On Falcons podcast recaps Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft, highlighting the Atlanta Falcons' strategic focus on high-upside, trait-laden players despite limited draft capital. Host Aaron Freeman praises the team's bold swings on late-round picks, particularly fourth-round linebacker Kendall Daniels, a 6'5", 242-pound former safety converted to linebacker at Oklahoma State. Freeman draws strong parallels between Daniels and Jeff Ulbricht’s past successes with safety-to-linebacker converts like Divine Diablo and Foye Aluokun, suggesting Daniels could develop quickly due to his college linebacker experience. The Falcons also targeted pass-rushing disruptors in rounds six and seven, selecting Washington defensive tackle Ontario Thompson—lauded for elite speed scores despite his size—and LSU linebacker Harold Perkins Jr., a former freshman phenom with injury setbacks but undeniable explosiveness. Finally, the team took Ohio State offensive tackle Ethan Oneonwa in the seventh round, a massive, raw project with elite physical traits that aligns with Bill Callahan’s preference for size and length. Overall, Freeman applauds the process, emphasizing the Falcons’ vision for long-term development and depth-building through athletic upside rather than safe, low-ceiling picks.