The Atlanta Falcons’ roster picture looks a lot different heading into their final preseason game, and that’s not by accident.
When general manager Ian Cunningham arrived in January, he was staring at a roster with no first-round pick in the upcoming draft and very little salary cap room to work with. His answer was clear: raise the floor.
Build out the back end. Add enough depth and competition that the team wouldn’t be so top-heavy anymore.
So far, that mission looks like it’s taken hold.
After the Falcons’ second- and third-stringers rolled over the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday, the depth Cunningham wanted was on display. It also made the 53-man projection a lot trickier. Training camp and two preseason games have already forced some changes, some because of injuries and some because players simply earned their way onto the roster.
At quarterback, the outlook hasn’t really changed. Strand was already in the mix before camp opened, and he’s only strengthened that hold. Penix was cleared for 11v11 this week, but he still hasn’t been cleared for full contact, so it would be a surprise if he plays against the Dolphins on Friday.
Running back has become clearer too. Tyler Goodson appears to have locked down the No. 3 job over Nate Carter.
And Jones, who was originally projected as a receiver, has spent more time working at running back during camp. That flexibility - slot, backfield, and special teams - gets him on the roster.
Wide receiver is mostly settled at the top. The first four names are locked in, and Blair has separated himself from the rest to claim the fifth spot. Atlanta kept seven receivers last season, but this year the Falcons may be able to stash some of the bubble options on the practice squad and bring them up when needed.
Bubble In: Chris BlairBubble Out: Dylan Drummond, Juice Wells, Vinny Anthony, Beaux Collins
Tight end is a little less certain, but the first three names are straightforward. Atlanta could carry a fourth, though it could also treat the position the way it might at receiver and lean on the practice squad. Joshua Simon, Jack Velling, and Nick Muse have all had their moments this preseason, and there’s not much concern that any of them would be claimed if they’re waived.
Up front, Kyle Hinton and Michael Jerrell seem safe as versatile backups. Jerrell has taken over the swing tackle role that Wanya Morris was expected to handle, which puts Morris in danger.
Levin also seems to be ahead of undrafted free agent James Brockermeyer. Ethan Onianwa, a seventh-round pick, would be unlikely to get claimed if cut, which gives Atlanta a path to bring him back to the practice squad.
Bubble In: Corey Levin, Wanya MorrisBubble Out: Ethan Onianwa, James Brockermeyer
The defensive line group looks stronger than it did a year ago. The first five names feel secure, and it would be a mistake to repeat last season’s approach of keeping only five linemen.
Carlos Allen Jr. has been all over the field in recent weeks and has earned real consideration. Chris Williams, who got $2 million in free agency, is also in the conversation.
Bubble In: Carlos Allen Jr.Bubble Out: Chris Williams
The edge group has undergone a major makeover, and none of the names listed above have even played a down for Atlanta yet. Thomas, Smith, and Sample give the Falcons a larger group, and Thomas can also work with his hand down inside. Ebukam and Smith profile as the best pure pass rushers in the room.
This group may not have last year’s burst, especially with Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. missing half the season, but it should be stronger against the run.
Keshawn Banks has looked better than Ojulari in preseason games, though that may still be enough for him to stick on the 53. Trice has missed the last two seasons with injury and has also been out the last two weeks with an undisclosed issue. If he doesn’t get back on the field soon, he could wind up as a PUP candidate to open the year.
Bubble In: Azeez Ojulari, Bralen TriceBubble Out: Keshawn Banks
Linebacker is one of the easier calls on a defense that has plenty of tough decisions elsewhere. Harris is lined up to start next to Deablo, but Daniels has been pushing him.
Perkins should carve out reserve snaps and special teams work. The only real twist would be if Atlanta decides to keep five linebackers.
At safety, Bates and Watts give the Falcons what might be the best tandem in the league. Hellams has done enough to earn a backup role and special-teams work, while Brown’s ability to play both nickel and safety should keep him safe.
Bubble In: DeMarcco Hellams, Sydney BrownBubble Out: Natrone Brooks, Jammie Robinson
Cornerback may be the hardest spot to sort out, and that’s not a great sign for a unit that already feels thin. The Falcons used a second-round pick on Avieon Terrell, but the group still needs sorting. Holmes has taken first-team reps at nickel, which puts him in a good spot.
Beyond that, Phillips and Bryant could be pushed out by C.J. Henderson and/or Malcolm DeWalt IV.
A.J. Woods has also gotten first-team nickel work, but he may still be on the outside looking in.
Special teams looks simple. Folk and Bailey have both been major upgrades at kicker and punter, and Saturday’s showing only reinforced that.
Folk drilled two 50-yard field goals against the Colts, while Bailey landed a 58-yard punt inside the five. If Folk had been the Falcons’ kicker the last two seasons, the argument goes, they might have made the playoffs both years.
In Other News...
Falcons Sideline Moment Put James Pearce Jr. Back In Spotlight
James Pearce Jr. has spent most of this summer under an unwanted spotlight, and the Falcons pass rusher found himself back in it during a recent preseason game. Even while serving an eight-game suspension beginning Aug. 30 for violating the NFLs Personal Conduct Policy after a February domestic dispute and related felony charges, he remains allowed to take part in preseason practices and games, keeping him around the team while his regular-season future waits in the background.
During the broadcast, Pearce was seen heading into a sideline medical tent with an empty jug and later emerging with it partially filled, a brief and awkward moment that quickly drew attention online. For Atlanta, it was another reminder that one of its most talked-about young defenders is still part of the conversation for reasons that have little to do with football, even as the team tries to move toward the season with the suspension looming. [Read more 🡒]
Jack Strand Is Suddenly Making The Falcons Bet Look Very Real
Jack Strand is giving the Falcons an early return on a decision that looked risky when they passed on drafting a quarterback and instead brought in the undrafted rookie from Minnesota State-Morehead. Working with Kevin Stefanski, Strand has turned a quiet summer into a legitimate conversation, and his preseason progress has started to make Atlantas approach look far more intentional than improvisational.
His most eye-catching moment came against the Colts, when he completed 12 of 17 passes for 215 yards and two touchdowns. It is still early, but Strand has shown enough command and production to make the Falcons feel like they may have found more than just a camp arm, and the next step will be seeing whether that progress keeps holding up once the pressure rises. [Read more 🡒]
Falcons Bubble Players Just Made Final Roster Cuts A Lot Harder
The Falcons 34-6 win over the Colts in their second preseason game did more than pad the scoreboard. It gave several players on the roster bubble a timely chance to stand out, and they took advantage of it with performances that should at least make the front office pause before the final cuts arrive.
Vinny Anthony II, Malcolm DeWalt IV, JD Bertrand, Keshawn Banks and Michael Jerrell all found ways to help their case, whether through steady play or noticeable impact in a game that tilted heavily Atlantas way. For a team still sorting out the back end of the roster and practice squad, those kinds of reps can carry real weight, especially when the evaluation board is getting thinner by the day. [Read more 🡒]