5 Atlanta Falcons to Watch Closely Ahead of Training Camp

The Atlanta Falcons are about two and a half weeks away from the start of their 2024 training camp.

Training camp will allow us to see the players in action on the field and mark the moment when the season finally seems within reach. Until then, we will have about two weeks before the preseason begins in Miami against the Dolphins.

There are certain players we should all be keeping an eye on as the Dirty Birds head into intense training periods. Let’s take a look at five of them.

1. Michael Penix Jr., QB

Of course, everyone wants to see this year’s Falcons first-round pick. Even though he’ll be the backup, his skillset is still something fans will admire. The former Washington Husky knows how to throw a nice deep pass. We won’t get to see that in the regular season for a while, so enjoy it while you can.

It’s also interesting to see where the team places him on its depth chart. Initially, he was assigned third-line duties behind Kirk Cousins ​​and Taylor Heinicke. Can he take over as a passer? How he plays during training camp will determine that.

2. Rondale Moore, receiver

The compensation from the Desmond Ridder trade will be an interesting piece to watch as this offense develops. How will new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson use it?

Rondale Moore has some of the best speed in the game. The Cardinals have struggled to find a way to get him the ball, but the Falcons are confident they can solve that problem.

Pay attention to how he’ll be used; he’ll be put into motion and used in the backfield. Robinson will give some indications throughout training camp as to how the sprinter will be deployed.

3. DeAngelo Malone, EDGE

I previously wrote a piece about how DeAngelo Malone is finally ready to break out after being drafted with Matt Ryan. He’s talented and will now play in a scheme that will utilize him to the best of his ability.

Keep a close eye on his speed and development on the field. His opportunities were nonexistent last season, so we don’t know exactly what he’ll look like. The main reason for his lack of usage last year was due to the scheme, so for all we know, he’ll become a productive player in his third season.

His position on the depth chart will go a long way in determining what his impact will be in 2024.

4. Kevin King, central defender

Kevin King was drafted high by the Green Bay Packers a few years ago. He failed to live up to his expectations and became an infamous character for Cheeseheads.

He took a year off to recover from an injury and got hurt again. Now the Falcons are confident he can be a valuable addition to their defense that lacks depth at cornerback. And it’s not like they made this hire blindly; they have a few of his former coaches from Green Bay and his days in Washington.

It will be interesting to see if the talented cornerback figures things out during his break.

5. Avery Williams and Ray-Ray McCloud III

One of the most interesting position battles this offseason is the kick and punt returners. Who will get the reps on special teams?

Avery Williams already has a season under his belt as the NFL’s leading returner, but he’s coming off a major injury. Meanwhile, free agent Ray-Ray McCloud III has spent his long NFL career as a special teams returner.

For now, it seems like Avery Williams’ status on the roster hinges on his development as an offensive threat. McCloud seems almost guaranteed to make the final roster, so Williams better hope the team is willing to keep two good returners.