The Falcons released their Week 1 depth chart on Tuesday afternoon before their season opener on Sunday against the Steelers.
New depth chart, who dis
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) September 3, 2024
There are a few things that caught my eye. Offensively, there were no real surprises, but there were a couple on defense and special teams.
Defensively, Arnold Ebiketie isn’t listed as the starter opposite of Mattew Judon, but rather his backup, while Lorenzo Carter the starter and James Smith-Williams his backup on the opposite side.
The interior lineup is Zach Harrison next to Grady Jarrett and David Onyemata with Ta’Quon Graham, Kentavius Street, and Ruke Orhorhoro as their respective backups.
I do imagine there will be a healthy rotation of the first and second strings dependent on week-to-week gameplans, with the third strings — Brandon Dorlus, Eddie Goldman, and DeAngelo Malone — only appearing sparingly.
At the second level, the Falcons starting linebackers are Kaden Elliss and Troy Andersen with Nate Landman as the backup. It’s not too surprising, considering Andersen’s draft pedigree and related ceiling.
In the secondary, there are no surprises either with A.J. Terrell, Mike Hughes, and Dee Alford manning the corner spots then Justin Simmons and Jessie Bates III solidifying the backend.
Based on coaches’ comments this offseason, the Falcons might try to get Landman on the field for three linebacker looks and Grant on the field for big nickel packages. Although, I don’t know how wise the latter might actually be.
The biggest surprise of the first depth chart, in my mind, is Avery Williams, not Ray-Ray McCloud listed as the kick and punt returners. That wasn’t really the roster for much of the offseason.
It’s important to remember these things are fluid and not concrete, though.
—
Photographer: Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire
You must log in to post a comment.