The 2026 NFL Draft is from April 23 to April 25. It begins on Thursday, April 23, at 8 PM ET. Several analysts and experts have been pairing college football players with NFL teams for weeks and months now. But just to brush up on the predictions, here are some examples:The Falcons have been linked to three quarterbacks: QB Athan Kaliakmanis from Rutgers Scarlet Knights, QB Haynes King from Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, and QB Jack Strand from Minnesota State-Moorhead Dragons. As for the Panthers, they are linked to Oregon Ducks safety Dillon Thieneman and tight end Kenyon Sadiq.
College football players picked by experts for Falcons, Panthers, Lions, and Packers
USA TODAY’s Ayrton Ostly picked San Diego State Aztecs cornerback Chris Johnson for the Falcons. The predictor notes that Atlanta does not have a first-round pick, but if they see Johnson available at Round 2, they may jump at the opportunity to acquire him. He is a scheme-versatile CB who can be paired with A.J. Terrell. His athleticism is ideal for defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich’s zone coverages.WXII 12 News selected Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. for the Panthers. Carolina GM Dan Morgan has chosen a receiver in the first round for the past two years: Tetairoa McMillan and Xavier Legette. Legette did not turn out to be the kind of WR the team had hoped for.As for 2024 undrafted Jalen Coker, he emerged as reliable receiver for Bryce Young, but the team won’t fully commit to him. Enter Omar Cooper Jr. He recorded 1000 yards with 13 TDs and even won a national championship. He has proven himself and has sure hands. He has true star potential and would be a great addition to Carolina.NFL Insider Tim Twentyman projects Georgia Bulldogs offensive tackle Monroe Freeling for the Lions. Freeling has a relative athletic score of 9.99 out of 10.0; he ranks No. 2 out of 1,519 offensive tackles dating back to 1987. Detroit loves athletic traits. Alongside Penei Sewell, the Lions would have two of the most athletic bookend tackles in the league, and they could be very dangerous on the edges in the run game.Packers Wire’s Brennen Rupp chose Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive tackle Lee Hunter for Green Bay. The 6-foot-3, 318-pounder has the natural girth to block running lanes, and he clocked 10.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, 26 pressures, and 25 stops last season. Hunter visited the Packers, so there could be something brewing between them.
Players rooted for the Atlanta Falcons
Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Germie Bernard [Falcons Wire]South Carolina Gamecocks cornerback Brandon Cisse [FanSided]
Players picked for Carolina Panthers
Toledo Rockets safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren [FOX Sports]Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver Kevin “KC” Concepcion [The Athletic]
Players lined up for the Detroit Lions
Tennessee Volunteers cornerback Jermod McCoy [CBS Sports]Penn State Nittany Lions guard Olaivavega “Vega” Ioane [The Athletic]
Players selected for the Green Bay Packers
Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Davison Igbinosun [SB Nation]Illinois Fighting Illini outside linebacker Gabe Jacas [Packers Wire].
