The Falcons underwent a lot of change during the offseason, and it looks like things are finally starting to settle. They’ll still make some moves as camp goes along, especially if injuries arise. This series will be updated throughout the summer, but I wanted to take my first crack at predicting Atlanta’s 53-man roster. Defense is up next.
Quarterbacks (2):
QB Desmond Ridder
QB Taylor Heinicke
QB Logan Woodside*
Ridder is the projected starter with Heinicke serving as the backup. Not much to note here, except that the NFL just implemented a rule allowing teams to carry a third quarterback without a 53-man roster penalty. For that reason, Woodside is here, but he doesn’t count towards the total 53-man roster count.
Running Backs (5):
RB Bijan Robinson
RB Tyler Allgeier
RB Cordarrelle Patterson
RB/KR/PR Avery Williams
FB Keith Smith
Solid group here; maybe the best in the entire NFL. This isn’t a projection of who will be the starter for this group, and I expect all three guys to get a healthy amount of carries regardless. Avery Williams is mostly going to be a positionless special teams guy, but I’ll list him at running back. Caleb Huntley could sneak into this group if he looks healthy in camp.
Wide Receivers (6):
WR Drake London
WR Mack Hollins
WR Scotty Miller
WR JJ Arcega-Whiteside
WR KhaDarel Hodge
WR Penny Hart
This will probably be the hardest group to project, but I expect some more clairty in the coming weeks. I have 2021 sixth-round Pick Frank Darby getting cut in this initial prediction, and watch out for 2023 UDFA Justin Marshall out of Buffalo — I like his game.
Tight Ends (3):
TE Kyle Pitts
TE Jonnu Smith
TE Parker Hesse
Another potential surprise cut with 2022 draft pick John FitzPatrick, but the Falcons should be able to keep him around on the practice squad. Feleipe Franks is also finally let go. We’ll see if they carry four tight ends in 2023, because they had three on their initial 2022 53-man roster. They may carry FitzPatrick over Penny Hart if they value his blocking enough.
Offensive Line (9):
T Jake Matthews
T Kaleb McGary
T Joshua Miles
G Chris Lindstrom
G Matthew Bergeron
G Ryan Neuzil
G Jovaughn Gwyn
C Drew Dalman
C Matt Hennessey
A little unorthodox with two reserve guards, but I think these are the best nine guys. A lot of them have flexibility as well. The most notable omission is of course Jalen Mayfield, who I think the Falcons cut bait with unless he has a good camp.
53 Man Roster Count (Offense): 25
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Photographer: Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire
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