The Falcons were the only team in the NFL to not see a rookie from the 2024 draft class take a single snap on offense or defense.
That’s right. From Atlanta’s rookie class, not a single player saw the field outside of special teams last Sunday against the Steelers, some weren’t even active, including their second-round pick that they traded up for in Ruke Orhorhoro, along with Brandon Dorlus, Casey Washington, and Jase McClellan.
#Falcons inactives for Week 1 against the Steelers: RB Jase McClellan, CB Antonio Hamilton Sr., DL Brandon Dorlus, OL Jovaughn Gwyn, WR Casey Washington and DL Ruke Orhorhoro
— Marc Raimondi (@marcraimondi) September 8, 2024
For a recap, here’s the Falcons draft class:
- 1 (8): QB Michael Penix Jr., Washington
- 2 (35): DL Ruke Orhorhoro, Clemson
- 3 (74): EDGE Bralen Trice, Washington
- 4 (109): DL Brandon Dorlus, Oregon
- 5 (143): LB JD Bertrand, Notre Dame
- 6 (186): RB Jase McClellan, Alabama
- 6 (187): WR Casey Washington, Illinois
- 6 (197): DI Zion Logue, Georgia
Michael Penix Jr. isn’t expected to see the field at all this season if Kirk Cousins is healthy, which may actually be a conversation worth having in the future. Orhorhoro was always considered a project; it was a head-scratching decision that the Falcons traded up to select him on draft day.
Trice was expected to have a role, but his season ended before Week 1. Dorlus was heralded for his ability to rush the passer from the interior, but the Falcons are deep at the position, so his path to the field isn’t obvious.
Outside of JD Bertrand, who contributed on special teams, the rest of the draft class doesn’t seem to be even in consideration for playing time. It’s past time to start criticizing Terry Fontenot.
A rookie’s impact or lack thereof shouldn’t break any team, but rookies can absolutely make a difference. The fact of the matter is the Falcons haven’t been efficient in their use of draft picks. Fontenot needs to be held accountable. Drafting and developing is a long-term plan, but where are all of the contributors from the 2021 and 2022 classes?
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Photographer: Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire
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