Falcons 2024 Roster Projection: Atlanta’s Roster Projection Ahead of Training Camp

We’re finally here, folks: Atlanta Falcons training camp is just days away. That means we’ll have real live football to discuss as soon as possible, and for my part, I am looking forward to it.

This is an especially interesting training camp for the Falcons, as they have a new coaching staff and new schemes on both sides of the ball. Oh, and two new quarterbacks, veteran Kirk Cousins ​​and rookie Michael Penix Jr., in case that wasn’t enough for you. This will be the first in-depth look at Atlanta’s new schemes and players outside of a few open practices during OTAs and minicamps, and our own Adnan Ikic and Jeanna Kelley will be on hand to bring you the scoop starting Wednesday.

With camp about to begin, there’s just enough time for another 53-man projection from you. There haven’t been many roster changes since the 2024 NFL Draft, but we did get some information during offseason workouts that have adjusted my expectations for the depth chart slightly. Plus, if you’re just tuning in now and looking for a quick refresher on what to watch ahead of camp, this is a great primer!

The roster projection is also available in video and audio format, which you can find below. If you enjoyed the written version, please consider giving us a thumbs up on those platforms as well.

Listen to the audio version of this article using the player below, or find it on your favorite podcast platforms.

Italics indicate a change from the projection in the previous list.

OFFENSE – 25

QB – 3

Kirk Cousins
Michael Penix Jr.
Taylor Heinicke

No changes here. Cousins ​​practiced throughout OTAs and should be fully released for the start of training camp. While Penix has had his share of early-season struggles, I still expect him to emerge as the primary backup heading into Week 1. Taylor Heinicke will stay because of his experience and contract status, and he’s probably the best QB3 in the NFL.

RB-4

Bijan Robinson
Tyler Allgeier
Jase McClellan
Avery Williams

Again, no changes. Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier are locked in at the top of the depth chart. The intrigue begins at RB3 and beyond, as rookie Jase McClellan missed most of the offseason recovering from an injury before the draft. He’ll have to take over the RB3 job in training camp or risk being placed on the practice squad. We’ll have to see how healthy Avery Williams is, but given the added importance of the return game this season, I have a hard time seeing Atlanta let him go.

TE-3

Kyle Pitts
Charlie Wörner
Ross Dwelley

A minor change in this group beyond the top guys, as I think veteran Ross Dwelley is likely to win the third tight end job away from former seventh-round pick John FitzPatrick and UDFA Austin Stogner.

WR-6

Drake London
Darnell Mooney
Ray-Ray McCloud
Rondale Moore
Casey Washington
KhaDarel Hodge

There were no changes to the players in that room, but there were some changes to the depth chart. For starters, it appears that Ray-Ray McCloud is the favorite to win the WR3/slot role coming out of OTAs — not Rondale Moore, as originally expected. Moore has missed time due to injury, so he could still end up with the job by the end of camp. Rookie Casey Washington has been the most impressive of all the young receivers and is already a heavy favorite for the roster. While it’s possible someone else emerges, I still think KhaDarel Hodge will remain the last receiver on the roster because of his special teams acumen.

OL-9

Lieutenant Jake Matthews
LG Matthew Bergeron
C Drew Dalman
RG Chris Lindstrom
RT Kaleb McGary

C/G Ryan Neuzil
G Kyle Hinton
T-Storm Norton
T. Tyler Vrabel

No changes here. Atlanta returns the same starting five as in 2023 and the same depth players. The team has been aggressive in adding competition at tackle, but it has work to do to replace Storm Norton and Tyler Vrabel, both of whom did admirable jobs when called upon last season.

DEFENSE – 25

EDGE – 5

Arnold Electric Bike
Zach Harrison
Lorenzo Carter
Bralen Trice
James Smith-Williams

A few minor changes in the classification here, as Zach Harrison joins the front office. I think the Falcons would like to have Arnold Ebiketie and Zach Harrison as their top two players, with Lorenzo Carter and Bralen Trice taking the rest of the snaps. James Smith-Williams is a solid depth player but could be replaced by a solid camp of DeAngelo Malone or Bradlee Anae.

IDL-6

Grady Jarrett
David Onyemata
Ruke Orhorhoro
Brandon Dorlus
LaCale London
Eddie Goldman

The interior defensive line remains the hardest group to project so far, and I doubt it will get much easier. I’m not overly concerned about the top four, considering them all to be near-safeties. The last two positions are where things get really interesting. LaCale London had arguably the best season of any interior depth player last year, and has the most typical 3-4 DE build. I also think the team would like to have a space-eating nose tackle on the roster for opponents who run a lot, and since Eddie Goldman has surprisingly been able to get this far, I’m putting him back on the roster.

LB-4

Kaden Elliss
Troy Andersen
Nate Landman
JD Bertrand

There are no changes expected in this group and I don’t expect any unless there is a surprise. What is interesting to watch is how the snaps are distributed between Kaden Elliss, Troy Andersen and Nate Landman, and where each of them lines up.

CB-6

AJ Terrell
Clark Phillips III
Dee Alford
Mike Hughes
Antonio Hamilton
Anthony Johnson

There have been only minor changes here, but this is one of the groups with the most potential for change at the top. It appears Clark Phillips III is the frontrunner for the outside CB2 job, with Mike Hughes as the main contender, but that could change, and I wouldn’t be surprised if veteran Antonio Hamilton gets a chance if Phillips/Hughes falters. Dee Alford appears to have won the starting job, with Hamilton getting the backups. As for depth, it appears second-year cornerback Anthony Johnson is the one to watch.

S-4

Jessie Bates III
DeMarcco Hellams
Richie Grant
Dane Cruikshank

It appears that DeMarcco Hellams is the clear favorite to start over Jessie Bates III. Richie Grant’s roster spot could be in jeopardy if the Falcons decide to sign one of the available veteran safeties, as he would save the team over $3 million in cap space. Speaking of veteran safeties, Dane Cruikshank joined the team after a successful tryout and is likely the favorite for the final spot due to his experience and special teams savvy.

SPECIAL TEAMS – 3

K. Younghoe Koo

P Bradley Pinion

LS Liam McCullough

RETURNANTS

KR Ray-Ray McCloud

Public Relations Avery Williams

No changes here. I think the Falcons will be very happy to have two good returners in Ray-Ray McCloud and Avery Williams this season.

What do you think of this potential Falcons roster? What do you think are the biggest changes that could happen during training camp and the preseason?