Takeaways from the Falcons first depth chart of the season

OFFENSE

The only starting position that is up for grabs is the third receiver, which is currently occupied by Ray-Ray McCloud III. The slot receiver is going to be a supplementary role, but the Falcons did acquire Rondalre Moore as well, so there’s still a decent amount of competition for that spot.

As far as the depth pieces, Casey Washington, a rookie sixth-round pick, has been impressive and could even potentially jump up the depth chart with an impressive showing in the preseason. The running back room isn’t stacked how beat reporters have informed us, though.

The Falcons have been giving Carlos Washington a ton of burn, and it looks like he’s the favorite to win the RB3 job, which leaves Avery Williams on the outside looking in for a roster spot. We will get to why the writing may be on the wall for him later.

DEFENSE

Coming into training camp, there were several starting spots up for grabs, but it seems they’ve already been figured out before the Falcons’ first preseason game.

The defensive line spot next to Grady Jarrett and David Onyemata has consistently been Zach Harrison throughout the offseason, with Lorenzo Carter and James Smith-Williams flanking them on either side. Arnold Ebiketie getting the nod on the depth chart is interesting, though.

The 2022 second-round pick has reportedly seen rotational snaps with the second-team defense with Smith-Williams being the surprise of camp getting a lot of first-team reps.  One not-so-big surprise is DeAngelo Malone at the bottom of the depth chart. The former third-round pick hasn’t had the opportunity to see the field, and he might not again.

One position battle that shouldn’t catch anybody off-guard is the starting linebacker spot next to Kaden Elliss. Nate Landman valiantly stood in for Troy Andersen, but the second-round pick’s athletic profile gives him a higher ceiling, especially in coverage, where Landman struggled mightily. Anderson should be given every opportunity to start in 2024.

In the secondary, as has been the case all offseason, the Falcons are trotting out Mike Hughes and Richie Grant with A.J. Terrell and Jessie Bates. Not exactly inspiring options, but Clark Phillips and DeMarcco Hellams are still battling.

SPECIAL TEAMS