With free agency and the 2024 NFL Draft behind us, it’s finally time to take a deeper look at the Falcons roster. Here’s our first 53-man roster projection for Atlanta, attempting to figure out how the team will look in the first year under new head coach Raheem Morris.
Rookie minicamp is here for the Atlanta Falcons, which means the offseason has finally ended. We’ve witnessed a busy free agency period, an eventful 2024 NFL Draft, and now a flurry of UDFA signings to bring the roster close to its final form. While there will obviously be a bit of tinkering between now and training camp, the most major additions to the roster are in the rear view mirror.
That means it’s the perfect time for my initial 53-man roster projection. And by perfect, I mean way too early. Still, it’s a fun exercise that gives us an opportunity to see what the active roster might look like when the dust settles heading into the 2024 season. This year’s roster will be particularly difficult to predict, given that we don’t know Raheem Morris’ preferences, but that just makes it more fun!
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Italics denote a change from the previous roster projection.
OFFENSE – 25
QB – 3
Kirk Cousins
Michael Penix Jr.
Taylor Heinicke
After watching this team in 2023, it’s no surprise that there’s been a massive remaking of the quarterback room. The Falcons gave Kirk Cousins a 4-year, $180M contract to take the reins of what could be a promising offense, and then drafted Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick. The idea here is clearly to have Cousins take this team to the playoffs over the next two seasons before pivoting to Penix—let’s hope it works out that smoothly. Taylor Heinicke might end up the QB2 on gamedays, at least to start the season. After the team guaranteed most of his contract as a part of his pay cut, it seems likely he’ll stick around for the 2024 season.
RB – 4
Bijan Robinson
Tyler Allgeier
Jase McClellan
Avery Williams
I expect Bijan Robinson to get the “bell cow” treatment he deserved in 2023 under the new coaching staff, with Tyler Allgeier available as a high-end RB2 when Robinson needs a breather. Rookie Jase McClellan has a strong all-around skillset, including advanced pass-blocking chops, which should make him the heavy favorite for RB3. Return specialist Avery Williams will hopefully make his return and provide Atlanta with a boost to their anemic punt return game, and could factor in on kick returns as well.
TE – 3
Kyle Pitts
Charlie Woerner
John FitzPatrick
Once a position with significant emphasis under Arthur Smith, I think Atlanta could drop down to just three tight ends in 2024. Kyle Pitts may factor in even more as a receiver in Zac Robinson’s 11-personnel heavy system, while Charlie Woerner will be the primary blocker. John FitzPatrick has an excellent chance to win the TE3 job thanks to his size and blocking experience.
WR – 6
Drake London
Darnell Mooney
Rondale Moore
KhaDarel Hodge
Ray-Ray McCloud
Casey Washington
Another position with significant change since 2023: there are four new receivers in this 53-man projection. Drake London will probably command the largest target share of anyone in the offense once again, but he’s got a new running mate in veteran addition Darnell Mooney. Mooney’s speed will give Atlanta a true deep threat, but he’ll be expected to handle a lot more than just the deep stuff given his salary. Rondale Moore was acquired via trade to be Atlanta’s primary slot receiver. His athleticism and versatility make him the biggest wild card of the bunch, but he’s not yet eclipsed 450 yards in a season.
Special teams ace KhaDarel Hodge returns, and I wouldn’t be shocked to see him continue to get targets in the passing game given his inside/outside versatility. Veteran return man Ray-Ray McCloud should give Atlanta some much needed depth on special teams and in the slot. Rookie Casey Washington should have a fairly easy path to the roster thanks to his special teams acumen and upside in the passing game.
OL – 9
LT 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
The Falcons have the rare opportunity to return all five starters from 2023 in 2024. While Jake Matthews is entering his age 32 season, he’s shown no signs of slowing down and is still likely to be with Atlanta for the next few seasons. Matthew Bergeron held down left guard during his rookie season and, as expected for a rookie, had his share of struggles. His potential is through the roof, however, and I’m expecting a step forward. Drew Dalman is entering the final year of his rookie deal and will be playing for a significant contract in 2025. I think he’s an above-average starter overall, but can he reach that next tier?
Chris Lindstrom had a wonderful return-to-form season in 2024 and should once again be the best offensive lineman on the team. Kaleb McGary is likely playing for his future in Atlanta this season, as the team could save $14.5M by moving on in 2025 and McGary’s inconsistencies as a pass protector could make him a poor fit in the more pass-heavy offense that’s coming under Zac Robinson.
I like Atlanta’s offensive line depth quite a bit. Ryan Neuzil and Storm Norton both came in and performed like solid starters when called upon in 2023—that’s always good insurance to have. Tyler Vrabel finally got an opportunity to play when injuries hit, and performed quite well at left tackle in a tough environment. Kyle Hinton is an experienced veteran who can play all over the offensive line.
DEFENSE – 25
EDGE – 5
Lorenzo Carter
Arnold Ebiketie
Bralen Trice
James Smith-Williams
DeAngelo Malone
It’s kind of shocking to see the edge room actually lose ground compared to 2023. Top sack artists Calais Campbell and Bud Dupree were not re-signed, leaving the starting jobs in the hands of Lorenzo Carter and Arnold Ebiketie. The switch back to a 3-4 base and more stand-up rushing should benefit both, but how big of a jump are we realistically expecting? Carter’s versatility and coverage acumen makes him a terrific fit in a Rams-like system, but it remains to be seen if Ebiketie can become anything more than a designated pass rusher.
Rookie Bralen Trice is about as NFL-ready as they come, although his game is somewhat limited. He could challenge for base package snaps immediately, and I think he could easily be the most productive rookie on the team. Veteran addition James Smith-Williams is a reliable run defender, while 2022 third-rounder DeAngelo Malone should benefit from the scheme change. I’m not giving up on Malone yet—his flashes towards the end of his rookie season in Dean Pees’ defense give me hope.
IDL – 6
Grady Jarrett
David Onyemata
Ruke Orhorhoro
Brandon Dorlus
Zach Harrison
Zion Logue
I figured the Falcons would do some future planning with this group, but I was not expecting three draft picks devoted to the position. Of all the groups on the roster, this one is the best and most difficult to predict heading into the summer. Obviously, Grady Jarrett and David Onyemata are safe—along with the top two rookies in Ruke Orhorhoro and Brandon Dorlus. Orhorhoro, while raw as a pass rusher, should be able to play in the base defense from Day 1. Dorlus, on the other hand, is likely to start out as more of a pass rush specialist.
I did not enjoy picking the final two players in this group, because no matter what you’re leaving out some quality players. That’s a good problem to have, though! I can’t see the team moving on from Zach Harrison given his flashes towards the end of 2023, although it’ll be interesting to see if the team has him bulk up for more 3-4 DE duties or slim down a bit and stay on the edge. The last spot is likely going to the nose tackle, and I just don’t trust that Eddie Goldman will be on the roster past July. In that case, rookie Zion Logue gets the job as the space-eater in the middle.
Yes, that means a number of 2023 contributors—like Ta’Quon Graham, LaCale London, and Kentavius Street—don’t end up making the roster.
LB – 4
Kaden Elliss
Troy Andersen
Nate Landman
JD Bertrand
The Falcons struck gold with Nate Landman, adding a high-end run defender and starting-caliber linebacker as a UDFA. Kaden Elliss will be one of the starters—and could see more opportunities as a pass rusher—while Landman and 2022 second-rounder Troy Andersen compete for the other spot. If Andersen is healthy, I still think he’s got the advantage: he’s the best coverage option the team has, and his incredible athleticism gives him an insanely high ceiling. Rookie JD Bertrand is a smart, instinctive player who should be able to carve out a depth and special teams role immediately.
CB – 6
A.J. Terrell
Clark Phillips III
Dee Alford
Mike Hughes
Antonio Hamilton
Kevin King
While the long-term status of A.J. Terrell is up in the air, his presence gives Atlanta a reliable CB1 in what is likely to be a coverage-focused defense. The big question comes at CB2, where Atlanta has a number of contenders but no clear top option. Clark Phillips III took over the job from Jeff Okudah towards the end of 2023, but was quite up-and-down. Dee Alford was seemingly benched for Mike Hughes in the slot despite outplaying him, and I’m not sure how that battle will play out in camp. I like the pickup of Antonio Hamilton as a depth option, as he had a very solid season as a starter for the undermanned Cardinals defense last year.
I feel like this group really needs another veteran option—someone who can challenge for CB2. The popular name has been Ahkello Witherspoon, who played well for the Rams in 2023 and would have a ton of experience in the scheme. As it stands now, I’m hoping for a Kevin King renaissance to fill out the depth chart. Maybe that happens, but I don’t want to count on it.
S – 4
Jessie Bates III
DeMarcco Hellams
Richie Grant
Lukas Denis
The Falcons absolutely nailed the signing of Jessie Bates III, who is arguably the NFL’s best safety and immediately turned around the pass defense in 2023. He’ll be heavily relied upon again this season, because the team has made exactly zero additions to the safety room this offseason. 2023 seventh-rounder DeMarcco Hellams had a strong rookie season and might be the favorite to start opposite Bates.
The other option would be Richie Grant, who is reaching the end of the road to become a reliable contributor on this team. Grant has always flashed intriguing ability but never put together anything resembling consistency. It seems like the new staff is high on him, but time is running out. For depth, keep an eye on XFL safety Lukas Denis, who stuck around after a year on the practice squad in 2023. I also feel like this group could really use another veteran, like John Johnson III from the Rams.
SPECIAL TEAMS – 3
K Younghoe Koo
P Bradley Pinion
LS Liam McCullough
RETURNERS
KR Ray-Ray McCloud
PR Avery Williams
The Falcons have the special teams group pretty much locked up, and that consistency should be helpful. Younghoe Koo didn’t have his best season in 2023, but was still one of the NFL’s best kickers. Bradley Pinion hit a career-high in yards per punt in 2023 with 47.0 and remains one of the more underrated punters in the league. The team brought back long snapper Liam McCullough after another strong season in 2023.
Atlanta’s return game was abysmal last season after losing Avery Williams in training camp, and the team has taken steps to remedy that. While Williams will hopefully be back healthy, the team also added Ray-Ray McCloud to shore up the room. Given the increased importance of kick returns this season, I think having two reliable returners is very wise.
What are your thoughts on this potential roster for the Falcons? Any spots you’d like to see the team add to before training camp?
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