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Falcons host Alabama linebacker on pre-draft visit
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- Falcons host Alabama linebacker on pre-draft visit
The Atlanta Falcons are currently hosting Alabama linebacker Justin Jefferson on a pre-draft visit, according to a report from ESPN's Field Yates . The Falcons have a clear need at linebacker after losing Kaden Elliss in free agency, and Jefferson is a potential late-round target in the 2026 NFL Draft.
"Alabama LB Justin Jefferson is on a 30 visit with the Falcons today," Yates reported on Thursday afternoon. "He's a speedy, rangy LB who ran a 4.54 40 at the combine and recorded 5.0 sacks over the past 2 seasons."
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The Falcons have just five total draft picks, with their first selection coming in the middle of Round 2 (pick No. 48 overall). Due to this lack of draft capital, the team has focused its pre-draft meetings on mid-to-late-round prospects.
Jefferson finished the 2025 season with 79 tackles (48 solo), three sacks, one interception and one forced fumble. Primarily on off-ball linebacker, Jefferson has good speed and is solid in coverage. Atlanta could use help next to Divine Deablo at inside linebacker and the former Crimson Tide standout is an intriguing potential fit.
"Jefferson lacks functional size to take on blocks and leverage his gap, so becoming a better block-slipper or run-and-chase option is essential," NFL.com's Lance Zierlein wrote in his scouting report. "He can cover, blitz and spy mobile quarterbacks, so a nickel linebacker/special-teams role could be his best fit."
The Falcons recently met with Memphis offensive tackle prospect Travis Burke, who could be a potential long-term replacement for retired right tackle Kaleb McGary . The team also met Missouri edge Zion Young on Wednesday and will host Georgia wide receiver Zadarius Branch on a top-30 visit before the draft.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons met with Alabama LB Justin Jefferson pre-draft
