Takeaways from the Falcons first depth chart of the season

The Falcons released their first depth chart of the 2024 season, so let’s break it down.

OFFENSE

Position Starter Backup Reserve Reserve Reserve Reserve Reserve Reserve
WR Drake London Chris Blair Austin Mack James Washington
TE Kyle Pitts John FitzPatrick Jordan Thomas
LT Jake Matthews Barry Wesley Julién Davenport Jaryd Jones-Smith
LG Matthew Bergeron Jovaughn Gwyn
C Drew Dalman Ryan Neuzil
RG Chris Lindstrom Kyle Hinton John Leglue
RT Kaleb McGary Storm Norton Andrew Stueber Zack Bailey
TE Charlie Woerner Ross Dwelley Austin Stogner
WR Darnell Mooney Rondale Moore Casey Washington Josh Ali OJ Hiliare
WR Ray-Ray McCloud III KhaDarel Hodge Dylan Drummond Jesse Matthews
RB Bijan Robinson Tyler Allgeier Avery Williams Jase McClellan Carlos Washington Jr.
QB Kirk Cousins Michael Penix Jr. Taylor Heinicke Nathan Rourke

The only starting position that is up for grabs is the third receiver, which is currently occupied by Ray-Ray McCloud III. The slot receiver is going to be a supplementary role, but the Falcons did acquire Rondalre Moore as well, so there’s still a decent amount of competition for that spot.

As far as the depth pieces, Casey Washington, a rookie sixth-round pick, has been impressive and could even potentially jump up the depth chart with an impressive showing in the preseason. The running back room isn’t stacked how beat reporters have informed us, though.

The Falcons have been giving Carlos Washington a ton of burn, and it looks like he’s the favorite to win the RB3 job, which leaves Avery Williams on the outside looking in for a roster spot. We will get to why the writing may be on the wall for him later.

DEFENSE

Position Starter Backup Reserve Reserve Reserve
DL Grady Jarrett Kentavious Street Eddie Goldman Tommy Togiai
DL David Onyemata Ruke Orhorhoro Zion Logue Prince Emili
DL Zach Harrison Ta’Quan Graham Brandon Dorlus LaCale London
OLB Lorenzo Carter James Smith-Williams Bradlee Anae DeAngelo Malone
ILB Kaden Elliss JD Bertrand Milo Eifler
ILB Troy Andersen Nate Landman Donavan Mutin
OLB Arnold Ebiketie Bralen Trice Demone Harris Kehinde Oginni
CB A.J. Terrell Kevin King Anthony Johnson Natrone Brooks
S Jessie Bates III Micah Abernathy Dane Cruikshank Tre Tarpley III
S Richie Grant DeMarcco Hellams Lukas Denis
NB Dee Alford Antonio Hamilton Sr. Jayden Price
CB Mike Hughes Clark Phillips III Harrison Hand Trey Vaval

Coming into training camp, there were several starting spots up for grabs, but it seems they’ve already been figured out before the Falcons’ first preseason game.

The defensive line spot next to Grady Jarrett and David Onyemata has consistently been Zach Harrison throughout the offseason, with Lorenzo Carter and James Smith-Williams flanking them on either side. Arnold Ebiketie getting the nod on the depth chart is interesting, though.

The 2022 second-round pick has reportedly seen rotational snaps with the second-team defense with Smith-Williams being the surprise of camp getting a lot of first-team reps.  One not-so-big surprise is DeAngelo Malone at the bottom of the depth chart. The former third-round pick hasn’t had the opportunity to see the field, and he might not again.

One position battle that shouldn’t catch anybody off-guard is the starting linebacker spot next to Kaden Elliss. Nate Landman valiantly stood in for Troy Andersen, but the second-round pick’s athletic profile gives him a higher ceiling, especially in coverage, where Landman struggled mightily. Anderson should be given every opportunity to start in 2024.

In the secondary, as has been the case all offseason, the Falcons are trotting out Mike Hughes and Richie Grant with A.J. Terrell and Jessie Bates. Not exactly inspiring options, but Clark Phillips and DeMarcco Hellams are still battling.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Position Starter Backup Backup
K Younghoe Koo
P Bradley Pinion
LS Liam McCullough
H Bradley Pinion
PR Ray-Ray McCloud III Mike Hughes
KOR Avery Williams Rondale Moore

Before his injury, Avery Williams was among the best punt returners in football. Now, he’s not even listed as the backup punt returner. Though he’s listed as the starting kick returner, that role could very well go to Rondale Moore or Ray-Ray McCloud. He is battling for his Falcons life this offseason.

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