With two preseason games down and one remaining, NFL fans are gearing up for the action-packed Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays ahead. The preseason is a crucial time for many players trying to secure a spot on their teams' 53-man rosters. One team that has significantly revamped their lineup since last season is the Atlanta Falcons. Under the leadership of new Head Coach Raheem Morris, the Falcons are looking to rebound after missing the playoffs since 2017.
The offseason has seen the addition of several key players, including Kirk Cousins, Justin Simmons, and Matthew Judon, who bring veteran experience to a team brimming with young talent such as Bijan Robinson, Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and A.J. Terrell. With just one preseason game left, I’ve looked at what the Falcons' 53-man roster might look like.
Atlanta Falcons Offense
Quarterbacks (3) - Kirk Cousins, Michael Penix Jr, Taylor Heinicke
Outside Looking In - John Paddock
The quarterback room is particularly intriguing and arguably underrated. Kirk Cousins leads the charge, whose veteran presence and mentorship will be invaluable for the younger quarterbacks, including Michael Penix Jr. Penix will learn under Cousins and shows the potential to become a starting NFL quarterback due to his strong arm and pocket presence. Sitting behind Cousins will help him refine his decision-making and develop into a reliable starter.
Finally, Taylor Heinicke, known as one of the better backups in the league, rounds out the quarterback room. With six years of experience and some trade value, Heinicke could be a trade asset if another team requires a QB. For now, he appears to make the final roster.
Running Backs (4) - Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier, Jase McClellan, Avery Williams
Outside Looking In - Carlos Washstion Jr.
Having the one-two punch in Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier will be hell for opposing defenses, now add in an offensive coordinator who came from the McVay coaching tree and you may have some of the best RB room in the league. Robinson will see most of the touches in the backfield, as he’ll also be utilized in the passing game with his elite athleticism, which allows him to turn a negative play into a positive gain. Christian McCaffery 2.0 is incoming… Tyler Allgeier will act as the Falcons' RB2 and may see an increase in usage, per OC Zac Robinson. Let’s not forget that Allgeier ran for more than 1,000 yards in his rookie year and averaged 4.9 yards per carry.
Wide Receivers (6) - Drake London, Darnell Mooney, Ray-Ray McCloud, KhaDarel Hodge, Chris Blair, Casey Washington
Outside Looking In- Josh Ali, Dylan Drummond
The wide receiver corps is arguably the Falcons' weakest position group. Drake London is the standout as the top receiver, supported by Darnell Mooney, who has shown potential in Chicago. The Falcons lack top-tier WR depth, and trade pickup Rondale Moore is out for the season. However, Kyle Pitts, Bijan Robinson, and Tyler Allgeier will play significant roles in the passing game. It might be beneficial for the Falcons to acquire another veteran WR, such as JuJu Smith-Schuster, recently released by the Patriots.
Tight Ends (3) - Kyle Pitts, Charlie Woerner, John FitzPatrick
Outside Looking In - Ross Dwelly, Austin Stogner
Headling the Falcons tight end group will be 4th year veteran Kyle Pitts. Pitts is also favored to have an official breakout year under Zac Robinson’s offense, and having a veteran like Cousins should also assist in Pitts's talents. The last time Pitts had a veteran throw to him, he had 1,026 yards and averaged 15 yards per reception. Except to see Pitts working as WR, too, as Robinson has come out on how he wants to utilize his 6’6’’ TE. Backing up Pitts will be blocking specialist Charlie Woerner, who came from San Fransico during free agency. I don't foresee the Falcons running a lot of two-tight-end sets, especially in passing situations. Woerner and FitsPatirck aren't your ideal pass catchers, and with Pitts splitting time at WR, it'll be interesting to see how the Falcon's tight ends are utilized throughout the season.
Offensive Tackles (4) - Jake Matthews, Kaleb McGary, Strom Norton, John Leglue
Outside Looking In - Jaryd Jones-Smith, Barry Wesley
Jake Matthews and Kaleb McGary are the definite starting tackles on the Falcons offensive line. Both have been high-quality blockers over the past few years. Matthews has been protecting the blind side of the QB since 2014 and has played over 1,000 snaps each year since 2016. McGary will line up beside All-Pro guard Chris Lindstrom and will continue to be a force when it comes to blocking for the run.
Interior Offensive Lineman (5) - Chris Lindstrom, Matthew Bergeron, Drew Dalman, Ryan Neuzil, Kyle Hinton
Outside Looking In - Julien Davenport, Andrew Stueber, Zach Bailey
Continuing with the offensive line, the interior players are a solid one. Led by arguably the best guard in the NFL, Chris Lindstrom, Matthew Bergeron, and Drew Dalman also return in hopes of continuing Atlanta's success in recent years when it comes to running the ball. Bergeron will return in his second year of NFL experience. The NFL sophomore won the starting job last year and played in 100% of offensive snaps.
Atlanta Falcons Special Teams
Specialist (3) - YoungHoe Koo, Bradley Pinion, Liam McCullough
Outside Looking In - N/A
Younghoe Koo is back for his sixth season as the Falcons field-goal kicker. Koo has been one of the most clutch kickers in recent years, making nine game-winning kicks over the last three seasons. Koo was also ninth last season in field goals made. Even with a rough preseason game against the Ravens (missing three field goals), Koo should have no problem getting back to being one of the NFL’s top kickers.
(No Koo kicking highlights here; only tackling highlights will be shown)
Atlanta Falcons Defense
Interior Defensive Line (6) – Grady Jarrett, David Onyemata, Zach Harrison, Kentavius Street, Ruke Orhorhoro, Ta'Quon Graham
Outside Looking In - Brandon Dorlus, Zion Logue, Eddie Goldman, LaCale London
Grady Jarrett is back and healthy after coming off a season-ending leg injury a year ago. The two-time pro bowler offers so much toughness in impacting the pass rush and in the run-stopping department that it's almost night and day when he's on and off the field. Onyemata and Harrison will wrap up the starting three-down lineman the Falcons will feature. It’ll be essential to note that Morris wouldn't be surprised if the Falcons went heavy up front and added another defensive lineman to the opening 53-man roster, but for now, we’ll go with starters and backups.
EDGE (4) – Matthew Judon, Arnold Ebiketie, Lorenzo Carter, James Smith-Williams
Outside Looking In - Bradlee Anae, Demone Harris
Before acquiring Judon, the Falcons' edge rushing department was arguably the weakest position on the field. Remember, this defense has been at the bottom of the league in sacks for a long time. Last year has been the best in terms of sacks for the Falcons (21st in the league), so if that doesn't explain how bad the Falcons pass rush has been, I'm not sure what will. Arnold Ebiketie should also be in line for a breakout year, entering his third season in the NFL. Getting to the quarterback has to be a must for the Falcon's defense, and with the help of DC Jimmy Lake coming from the Rams with Raheem Morris, the Falcons' coaching staff should be able to come up with a constant plan on getting to the QB.
Linebackers (4) – Kaden Elliss, Troy Andersen, Nate Landman, JD Bertrand
Outside Looking In - Donavan Mutin, Milo Eifler
Ask me what I love about this Falcons defense, and I would be an idiot if I didn't mention this linebacking group. This is a fast group; Landman and Elliss recorded over 100 combined tackles a year ago. Now you add Troy Andersen back to the rotation (Andersen only played two games last year due to an injury); this LB core is very scary. The expectation is that these three guys will be rotated throughout the game, and Morris seems very fond of having three linebackers with starting capabilities.
Cornerbacks (6) – A.J. Terrell, Dee Alford, Mike Hughes, Kevin King, Antonio Hamilton Sr., Clark Phillips III
Outside Looking In - Anthony Johnson, Jayden Price, Trey Vaval
I expect A.J. Terrell to solidify himself as one of the top corners in the league; with Simmons and Bates playing behind him, Terrell should be able to free-lance a little more and increase his career interception number. Mike Hughes is expected to play the opposite side of Terrell, and Dee Alford will slide in at the nickel corner position. Kevin King is also a name to keep an eye on as he adds some quality depth to the corner position and performed well in the Falcon's first preseason game.
Safeties (4) – Jessie Bates III, Justin Simmons, Richie Grant, DeMarco Hellams
Outside Looking In - Micah Abernathy, Lukas Denis
Besides the RBs, the Falcons' safeties are arguably the most substantial group on the roster. Jessie Bates is entering his second year as a Falcon and will look to continue off his all-pro season. Now, you add another all-pro safety in Justin Simmons; that's a recipe for success. Per PFF, Bates and Simmons have been one and two since 2019 when it comes to the most combined interceptions plus forced incompletions among safeties since 2019: Simmons (51), Bates (47). Richie Grant is also expected to rotate between these two All-Pro safeties.
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