One of the biggest complaints against the Atlanta Falcons in the state of Georgia over the years has been how often the team has passed on Georgia players.
In 2026, the team made a hard switch. So much so that the Falcons have more Georgia players on their roster than any other NFL team does for the time being.
Following the 2026 NFL Draft, the Falcons now have six former Bulldogs in the fold. Those players include linebackers Azeez Ojulari, Jalon Walker, and Channing Tindall, in addition to running back Cash Jones, tight end Charlie Woerner, and wide receiver Zachariah Branch.
Branch is among the latest of these players to join the Falcons, selected at No. 79 overall in the third round. He’s expected to start in 2026, and will help bolster an Atlanta wide receiver corps that was riddled with issues last season due to injuries and other factors.
They also signed Jones as an undrafted free agent shortly after.
Atlanta Falcons Select Zachariah Branch In Third Round Of 2026 NFL Draft
The Falcons’ most recent draft selection out of Georgia was Branch. He’s expected to make an immediate impact after he finished out his college career with 159 catches for 1,634 yards and six touchdowns.
One NFL executive has high expectations for Branch out of the gate, according to ESPN.
“Third-round receiver Zachariah Branch (Georgia) gives head coach Kevin Stefanski exactly what he needs — if used correctly,” the NFL exec noted.
“Scouts say Branch is best utilized as a unique weapon more so than a receiver in the traditional sense. “He’s good on gadget plays, getting the ball to him quickly… screens, sweeps. He’s excellent with the ball in his hands. He’s a dangerous returner.”
GettyGeorgia WR Zachariah Branch.
Atlanta Falcons Now Have More Former Georgia Players In The Fold Than Any Other NFL Team
The Falcons have historically received a lot of criticism for not frequently selecting Georgia players — especially when Atlanta has arguably suffered for passing on former Bulldogs in the NFL Draft.
Georgia legend Champ Bailey complained about it strongly in 2025.
“You know, it’s unfortunate the hometown Falcons hadn’t got on board with this,” Bailey said to ESPN’s Kevin Clark.
“We always have a lot of talent. And if you could see lately, I think Kirby’s experience in the league and what he values as far as the interior of a defense and offense, that’s really what it boils down to, man.”
At the time of that interview, the Falcons had selected just 12 Georgia players in the NFL Draft since 1966, a total that may still seem a bit controversial. But representatives from the team showed up in droves at Georgia’s latest pro day, and the interest seems to be only headed up from here.
Former Georgia players on the Falcons, in addition to Branch
LB Azeez Ojulari
Ojulari was originally selected by the New York Giants at 50th overall in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. The Marietta, Georgia native signed with the Falcons in mid-March after a short stint with the Philadelphia Eagles.
He brings an explosive pass rush ability to a Falcons defense that led the NFL in sacks with a total of 57 last season, and has a chance to help the team do it again in 2026.
Ojulari has shown his ability to be a difference-maker in a big way, as he set a franchise record for most sacks by a rookie (8) with the Philadelphia Eagles to kick his career off.
LB Jalon Walker
Walker enters the second season of his career with the Falcons after the team selected him with the 15th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. He finished out his rookie season with 36 combined tackles (24 solo), 5.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and one pass defended.
Walker’s role is expected to expand in 2026, as the Falcons aim to continue making use of the sheer versatility and ability he brings to the table, which allowed him to lead Georgia in sacks for two consecutive seasons.
LB Channing Tindall
Tindall did not begin his NFL career with the Falcons, selected by the Miami Dolphins at pick No. 102 in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. The linebacker appeared in 44 games for Miami, largely contributing on special teams, before signing with the Arizona Cardinals practice squad in 2025.
Expect him to be utilized the same way in Atlanta.
RB Cash Jones
Jones comes to Atlanta after wearing several hats at Georgia. The former walk-on didn’t put up huge numbers in his traditional role at running back, but did have some head-turning plays for the Bulldogs that made a difference.
One of those was the onside kick he recovered in Georgia’s 35-10 win over the Texas Longhorns. He’ll have a chance to prove himself as a potential special teams ace for the Falcons.
TE Charlie Woerner
The veteran tight end signed a three-year deal with the Falcons in 2024 after spending four years with the San Francisco 49ers. That’s the same team that selected him at pick No. 190 overall in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Atlanta Falcons Put An End To Long-Lasting Narrative After 2026 NFL Draft