The Atlanta Falcons released the depth chart for their Week 1 matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, featuring a couple of surprises as the team attempts to start 1-0 for just the second time since 2017.

Elijah Wilkinson Replaces Kaleb McGary

The situation at right tackle could be a committee approach with Kaleb McGary and Storm Norton sidelined, but the veteran Elijah Wilkinson will get the first crack. Wilkinson started 20 games earlier in his career at RT, but has primarily been used along the interior since 2022, where his skill set is better suited.

With that being said, none of the Falcons’ options are exactly inspiring. Few teams would be in a good spot at any position when down a starter and his backup. Atlanta just has to hope somebody can provide enough in pass protection to steady the ship until Storm Norton returns from his ankle injury, which could happen after the team’s bye week in Week 5.

Falcons First Round Picks Listed As Reserves

The Falcons spent two first-round picks on pass rushers, and both are listed as backups for the season opener behind Leonard Floyd and Arnold Ebiketie. That was always likely to be the case, but it still looks like we’ll see a steady diet of James Pearce Jr. and Jalon Walker early in the season. The Falcons need them to make an impact rather immediately if the team is to reach its goals.

Brandon Dorlus Listed As A Starter

After being heralded as one of the steals of the draft, Brandon Dorlus saw action in just two games as a rookie and made three combined tackles. It was disappointing, as was the Falcons entire 2024 draft class in year one. However, that group has no choice but to step up in their second seasons, and Dorlus has done enough to earn the nod as a starter across the defensive line, ahead of 2024 second-round pick Ruke Orhorhoro.

Hopefully, that’s a sign of a confidence in Dorlus, not a knock on Orhorhoro. The combination of the two will be relied on a lot more in 2025.

Falcons Secondary Features Two Rookies

The Falcons defense will likely have four rookies playing pivotal roles. James Pearce Jr. and Jalon Walker will see the field a lot on the edge, and Xavier Watts and Billy Bowman Jr. will begin the year as starters in the secondary. Watts will assume the safety role next to Jessie Bates III after being drafted in the third round out of Notre Dame. Bowman, who was drafted in the fourth round out of Oklahoma, will be the team’s starting nickel corner.

Watch Out For Natrone Brooks

Coming into the preseason, Natrone Brooks’ spot on the 53-man roster was far from a guarantee, but he put a stamp on it with his performance leading up to Week 1. He more than deserves this opportunity, and he’s listed as the backup nickel behind Billy Bowman. The Falcons would love to see the rookie ball out with no concerns, but if he doesn’t, don’t be surprised if Brooks gets some opportunities early on.