Offense

Quarterback (2) | Desmond Ridder, Taylor Heinicke

Nothing changes here. I don’t think Logan Woodside will be kept on the final 53 because of how competitive the other positions are on the depth chart.

Running back (3) | Bijan Robinson, Cordarrelle Patterson, Tyler Allgeier

Once again, nothing changes here.

Full back (1) | Keith Smith

The 10-year vet is critical to the Falcons success, but Parker Hesse can assume some H-back snaps if need be, so Smith’s spot isn’t guaranteed.

Tight end (4) | Kyle Pitts, Jonnu Smith, Parker Hesse, MyCole Pruitt

In my first roster projection, this was the group I had, even before the injury news of Feleipe Franks. Who knows whether or not the former collegiate quarterback would’ve made the roster had he been healthy? For now, the group is unchanged.

Wide receiver (5) | Drake London, Mack Hollins, Scotty Miller, KhaDarel Hodge, Josh Ali

Drake London, Mack Hollins, and Scotty Miller are all locks. The others are fighting for roster spots via special teams, and the change here from the prior two is the number of receivers. I initially included Frank Darby but an injury settlement has ended his time in Atlanta.

Now, I’m getting rid of Penny Hart and just keeping five receivers because why not? Ali continues to make plays this preseason, and we will see what each of these candidates brings in the final preseason game ahead of my final Falcons roster projection.

Offensive line (9) | Jake Matthews, Matthew Bergeron, Drew Dalman, Chris Lindstrom, Kaleb McGary, Josh Miles, Kyle Hinton, Ryan Neuzil

This one is a mess. The Falcons have real problems to figure out here. They need a swing tackle and a swing interior lineman. I went with Josh Miles, Kyle Hinton, and Ryan Neuzil.

Initially, those positions would’ve gone to Matt Hennessy and Ethan Greenidge, but both are on the injured reserve. I expect the last couple of roster spots here to be occupied by players that are currently on other rosters but will be cut by August 29th.

For now, I have only named eight offensive lineman, but it will be nine going into Week 1. Someone has to be added to this group from the outside.

Defense

Defensive line (7) | Grady Jarrett, Calais Campbell, Ta’Quon Graham, David Onyemata, Zach Harrison, Timmy Horne, Joe Gaziano

Nothing changes here from my first or second Falcons roster projection.

Outside linebacker (4) | Lorenzo Carter, Bud Dupree, Arnold Ebiketie, DeAngelo Malone

I actually had Ade Ogundeji not making the roster in my first projection, but an injury has landed him on the reserve. Nothing changes here since the second projection.

Inside linebacker (4) | Troy Andersen, Kaden Elliss, Nate Landman, Tae Davis

The only change here is from the first Falcons roster projection. The Falcons waived Mykal Walker, who was quickly scooped up by the Bears, paving the way for Landman and Davis to make the roster.

Safety (4) | Jessie Bates III, Richie Grant, Jaylinn Hawkins, DeMarcco Hellams

Hellams solidified his position in my eyes with a great effort against the Dolphins that continued against the Bengals.

Cornerback (7) | A.J. Terrell, Jeff Okudah, Dee Alford, Mike Hughes, Clark Phillips III, Tre Flowers, Cornell Armstrong

The first edition had six cornerbacks with Cornell Armstrong left off, but if the Falcons only keep five receivers, I’ll go with another corner, given the injuries at the position to Mike Hughes and Jeff Okudah.

Specialists (3) | Younghoe Koo, Bradley Pinion, Liam McCullough

This is one simple; no changes.

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What is your Falcons roster projection?

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