Five prospects to watch for Falcons in Friday’s NFL combine drills
INDIANAPOLIS — Stationed at the top of section 210 inside Lucas Oil Stadium, the Falcons’ viewing box housed coach Kevin Stefanski, general manager Ian Cunningham and more members of the team’s front office Thursday night.
The group watched as linebackers and defensive linemen pushed their cleats through the 40-yard dash track at the stadium, ran around hoops and cones and navigated through perhaps the biggest job interview of their lives at the NFL scouting combine.
On Friday, the Falcons will watch tight ends and defensive backs do the same.
The Falcons inherently value tight ends. Stefanski has often mentioned his affinity for the position — it’s where he got his start as an NFL position coach — and Cunningham said Tuesday the value of tight ends will “continue to grow moving forward” because of the flexibility and schematic advantages they provide.
Defensive backs also are important for the Falcons, who may lose Dee Alford in free agency, await an uncertain timeline for Billy Bowman Jr.’s return, have Jessie Bates III entering the final year of his contract, and may look to add competition for starting corner Mike Hughes.
NFL Network will carry live coverage of the scouting combine from 3 to 9 p.m.
Here are five participants — and potential future Falcons — to watch during Friday’s portion of the event.
Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State
A three-year starter at Ohio State and one of the draft’s most physical corners, Igbinosun earned a reputation for being oft-penalized, but he drew fewer flags in 2025. He’s an aggressive, instinctive press-man corner, which should appeal to Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich. If the Falcons look to upgrade over Hughes, Igbinosun may be in play on Day 2 of the draft in April.
TJ Hall, CB, Iowa
The Falcons had a formal meeting with Hall in Indianapolis, and the 6-foot, 190-pound cornerback pairs physicality and ball skills with scheme versatility. Voted a third-team All-Big Ten selection, Hall recorded 47 tackles, 10 pass breakups and an interception in 2025, his first full year as a starter. He’s projected as a mid-Day 3 pick and could be in play for the Falcons in the sixth round.
Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke
Rivers started 45 games in four years at Duke, developing into a two-time All-ACC honoree while earning various All-America accolades in 2024. Though he’s undersized at 5-10 and 185 pounds, Rivers is scrappy and highly competitive. He’s expected to move inside to nickel corner, where the Falcons have uncertainty with Alford’s free agency and Bowman’s recovery timeline. Rivers is projected to be drafted in the third or fourth round.
Josh Cuevas, TE, Alabama
Cuevas played with Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in 2023 at the University of Washington, and after two years at Alabama, Cuevas has positioned himself to join Penix at the next level. At 6-3 and 256 pounds, Cuevas is a quality blocker with reliable hands who figures to be a Day 3 pick and complementary tight end in the NFL.
Jaren Kanak, TE, Oklahoma
Kanak, who played linebacker for three years at Oklahoma before moving to tight end last offseason, met informally with the Falcons. He enjoyed a strong introduction to offense with the Sooners, catching 44 passes for 533 yards and making at least one grab in all 13 games. Athletic and versatile with a high ceiling, Kanak is an intriguing Day 3 option who the Falcons have already done some homework on.
