The Falcoholic
Welcome back, Atlanta Falcons fans. It’s not even Thanksgiving, and Atlanta is already flirting with mock-draft season. Making things spicier this year: the Falcons’ 2026 first-round pick now belongs to the Los Angeles Rams after Atlanta moved up for EDGE James Pearce Jr.
I’m not here to re-litigate the trade. Pearce’s first full sack last week was one of the sparks that kept Atlanta in the fight against a strong Colts team, even if the defense also surrendered the most rushing yards in a single game in franchise history.
That contrast is exactly why this conversation matters.
With the sun setting on this season and maybe this regime, Falcons fans are again forced to look forward.
Michael Penix Jr., blemishes and all, has still shown enough flashes to justify a future built around him. And if there’s been any silver lining to Atlanta’s offensive drought, it’s been Drake London’s surge. Since returning from a hip injury, London leads the league with four touchdowns and is tied with Jaxon Smith-Njigba for most receiving yardage over the past two weeks.
Defensively, the Falcons feel like a monkey’s paw wish come to life: After years without a consistent pass rush, Atlanta registers 13 sacks in two games, only to be paired with more than 800 yards allowed. The Falcons are the only team to accomplish such a feat.
Proof that pass rush wasn’t the only missing piece on that side of the ball.
Enter Dane Brugler’s midseason top-5, his personal snapshot of the 2026 class as college football turns the corner. Even without a first-round pick, Atlanta still holds a selection inside his top-50, currently sitting at 41st overall.
So, as Falcons fans brace for another Mystery-Meat Sunday full of question marks, maybe the draft offers at least a little hope: help could still be on the way.
Aside from having the best nickname in the class, “Big Citrus” is a legitimate NFL talent.
With his squatty and dense 330-pound frame, the Cyclones’ nose tackle not only absorbs contact and holds his ground, but he also has explosive hands to create knock-back and displace blocks.
Part of being abysmal against the run is losing at the point of attack in the interior. While Ruke Orhorhoro has been an asset rushing the passer, he and veteran David Onyemata have not done nearly enough in the run game.
“Big Citrus” Dominique Orange would immediately come in and bring an attitude up front that this Falcons run defense is sorely lacking. And this isn’t even taking into account his arsenal of pass-rush moves.
Next game: vs. Kansas, November 22nd EST
From Auburn to Colorado and now Tennessee, Hood is on his third program in three years — and playing well for the Volunteers.
*A good-sized athlete, Hood has a team-high...
