The official Week 1 Falcons depth chart is here, and finally, we get our first look at how this team will lineup for a game that counts. If you want to check out where all 53 guys land, you can do that on the team’s official site, but I’ll be highlighting the key talking points right here.
Rookies rise through the ranks
On the depth charts released throughout the preseason, the rookies found themselves near the bottom. It was clear Arthur Smith and Terry Fontenot wanted to send a message to the whole team about how nothing will be handed to anyone. It doesn’t matter where a player was drafted; everything will be earned on the field. That’s how it should be all the time, even if most teams don’t abide by that mantra.
Of course, we all knew Kyle Pitts was going to be TE 1 come Week 1. He’s going to be a star, and I expect him to have an immediate impact against the Eagles. Jalen Mayfield was also named a starter. He’ll be holding down the left guard spot for now, but we will have to see what type of leash Arthur Smith gives the rookie. Second-round pick Richie Grant is listed as a backup safety behind Erik Harris and Duron Harmon. That’s not surprising; however, I’m interested to see how much he is utilized in nickel and dime packages.
Jonathan Bullard listed as a starter
A lot of people were leaving Bullard off their 53-man rosters during the offseason. Not only did he make the team, but he’ll be starting for the Falcons against the Eagles over guys like Marlon Davidson and John Cominsky. Bullard was a load to handle in the preseason, and the Falcons will need more of that from him if they want to be serviceable.
Cordarrelle Patterson listed as RB2
On the Falcons initial 53-man roster, they had Patterson listed as a WR, which is what he’s been his entire career. However, if you’ve been paying attention this offseason, you know the Falcons signed him as a running back. That’s where they have him listed on the team’s Week 1 depth chart. He’s the backup to Mike Davis, and I’m excited to see how Arthur Smith uses him on Sunday.
T.J. Green gets some love
Green was a player who was viewed as a fringe-roster candidate throughout the offseason. But like Bullard, he was a standout during the preseason, earning him a spot on the 53-man, and it looks like he will get some playing time on Sunday. He’s listed as the backup to A.J. Terrell, which could possibly mean he’s the team’s third corner in nickel situations.
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