If the 2026 NFL season started today, the Atlanta Falcons would be rolling into Week 1 with a pair of big question marks at the quarterback position. Michael Penix Jr. is recovering from his third career ACL tear and Tua Tagovailoa has already suffered a dangerous number of concussions at this level, raising serious questions about who will start and how long they might last.
For now, Trevor Siemian is serving as their third-string QB, but he’s not a realistic option to function as anything more than a scout team option. That means the Falcons have to consider bringing in more QB depth in the upcoming 2026 NFL draft.
A new QB-only mock draft from ESPN has Atlanta taking a flyer on Illinois‘ Luke Altmyer in Round 6, at No. 215 overall.
“An ex-four-star recruit who initially committed to Ole Miss and Lane Kiffin, Altmyer isn’t lacking for physical talent. He has a zippy release and highly reliable accuracy in the quick game and on RPOs. Throwing on the move doesn’t impact his accuracy much, and he is an efficient scrambler… Most importantly, Altmyer is tough as nails.”
Altmyer (6-foot-2, 210 pounds) certainly has a higher ceiling than Siemian, and in theory should be able to beat him out for the third spot on Atlanta’s QB depth chart. Here’s a look at the highlight reel.
After spending two years as a backup at Ole Miss, Altmyer transferred to Illinois ahead of the 2023 season. In 35 games as their starter, he put up 7,607 passing yards, 57 touchdowns, 21 interceptions and a 144.3 QB rating.
Going into the draft, the Falcons have to address needs at wide receiver, tight end, defensive tackle and linebacker, but quarterback depth should also be in the running on Day 3. Altmyer should be worth a spin of the wheel if he is still available.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Illinois QB Luke Altmyer linked to Atlanta Falcons by ESPN