The Falcons are in a transition year, and a lot of different faces are in Atlanta following the Matt Ryan era. But they finally got a preseason win for the first time in what feels like ten years. Atlanta has some interesting playmakers on offense, but they’re going to have to make some tough cuts at certain positions, namely wide receiver and running back. There could also be surprise cut candidates like Jalen Mayfield or Germain Ifedi. Following their recent roster moves, let’s take a look at my updated predictions for the 53-man roster:
Defense & Special Teams is up next, so be on the lookout. I will be updating these after every preseason game.
Quarterbacks
QB1 Marcus Mariota
QB2 Desmond Ridder
QB3 Feleipe Franks
I’ll list Franks at quarterback for now, but who knows where he’ll be used for Atlanta. It doesn’t matter where he’s listed, I think he’s gonna make the team with his athletic potential. Mariota and Ridder are obvious roster locks.
Running Backs
RB2 Damien Williams
RB3 Tyler Allgeier
RB4 Qadree Ollison
RB5 Avery Williams
Ollison is definitely on the roster bubble, but Atlanta doesn’t really have much depth at the position with a rookie at RB3. I think carrying four running backs is pretty reasonable, especially with the new regime seeming pretty interested in Ollison’s development. I also think Avery Williams sticks as a Special Teams player and gadget back.
Fullbacks
FB1 Keith Smith
You like Keith Smith? Here’s Keith Smith.
Wide Receivers
WR1 Bryan Edwards
WR2 Drake London
WR4 Auden Tate
WR5 Damiere Byrd
WR6 KhaDarel Hodge
My prediction is the Falcons keep Jared Bernhardt around as a gadget/special teams player, but he’ll start the season on the practice squad. He had a nice catch to win the Lions game in the preseason, but that doesn’t guarantee him a roster spot. Bernhardt and Geronimo Allison are definitely in play here. 2022 6th round pick Frank Darby may end up on the practice squad or cut.
Tight Ends
TE1 Kyle Pitts
TE2 Anthony Firkser
TE3 Parker Hesse
We know Arthur Smith loves his tight ends, so this group could absolutely go up to four or five deep. I expect Firkser and Hesse to be used in a variety of situations with FitzPatrick beginning his career on the practice squad. He has an uphill battle to make the roster, but I think he sees some action eventually as a 2022 draft pick.
Offensive Line
LT1 Jake Matthews
LG1 Elijah Wilkinson
C1 Drew Dalman
RG1 Chris Lindstrom
RT1 Kaleb McGary
OL Jalen Mayfield
OL Justin Shaffer
Not much to talk about here. Shaffer hasn’t looked great, but he is a draft pick, so he gets some benefit of the doubt here. The starters may change, but we’ll see. If things continue the way they are, I seriously doubt Jalen Mayfield gets a starting role. He may end up getting cut as well.
Roster Count: 27
Photographer: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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