The Atlanta Falcons’ first depth chart of the regular season gave a clear look at how the team is lining up for Sunday’s opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the biggest takeaways are on defense.
Technically unofficial, the chart still says plenty after months of offseason work, training camp, and three preseason games. It also shows which young players have earned the staff’s trust as Week 1 arrives.
At inside linebacker, Kendal Daniels is listed as the starter next to Divine Deablo, with Harold Perkins Jr. behind him. Daniels and Perkins both spent a lot of camp and the preseason rotating with Deablo, but Daniels separated enough to grab the top spot heading into the opener.
His preseason work included 25 snaps against Denver and 15 against Indianapolis. That push came at the expense of Christian Harris, who is now listed behind him. Harris had his own chances - 17 defensive snaps against Denver and 15 against Indianapolis - but they did not move him back into the starting role.
Harris still looks like a player to watch once the season begins. His experience and coverage skills could keep him involved, even if the Falcons currently appear more comfortable with Daniels.
Perkins should have a role too. His athleticism and ability as a pass rusher give Ulbrich another piece to move around, especially in pressure packages.
Atlanta also made a rookie change at nickel cornerback, where Avieon Terrell is listed as the starter. The second-round pick battled a hamstring injury earlier in the preseason, returned, and ultimately did enough to win the job. Billy Bowman Jr. is listed behind him as the backup, which fits as Bowman continues his comeback from a season-ending Achilles rupture last season.
Terrell’s ball skills and versatility helped him stand out in a crowded competition. Now he heads into his first regular-season game with a big job in the middle of the secondary.
There are also some notable backup designations on the defensive line. Za’Darius Smith and Gervon Dexter are both listed as reserves, but that should not be read as a sign they’ll be lightly used.
Smith was added to bring veteran pass-rush help, especially with the Falcons starting the season without James Pearce Jr. for the first eight games. Dexter, acquired from Chicago, adds another interior pressure threat and should see meaningful snaps with the starting defensive tackles.
The depth chart gives the clearest snapshot yet of Atlanta’s Week 1 plans, but it does not lock in exact snap counts. Several young players are in line for starting roles, while veterans still look set for important rotational work.
The Falcons will find out how it all fits Sunday in Pittsburgh, when they meet the Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET on FOX.
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