The Falcons will return many of the same players in 2025 (particularly on offense), but they’re banking on major impacts by their rookies on defense.
Quarterback (2)
Michael Penix Jr., Kirk Cousins
For now, Atlanta still has Kirk Cousins on the roster, and there not being a clear landing spot for him in a trade might mean he’s the backup to at least begin the season. Considering the durability concerns for Michael Penix Jr. throughout his college career, it’s not the worst scenario—though the situation was clearly mismanaged dating back to last offseason.
Running back (3)
Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier, Jase McClellan
The Falcons really leaned on Bijan Robinson down the stretch last year, and he quietly finished with 1,456 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns in his second season. Tyler Allgeier will be an important backup and complement to Robinson, and Jase McClellan will battle with Carlos Washington Jr. and others for the No. 3 job.
Wide receiver (6)
Drake London, Darnell Mooney, Ray-Ray McCloud III, KhaDarel Hodge, Jamal Agnew, Nick Nash (R)
Ray-Ray McCloud III and KhaDarel Hodge are set as the top wideouts behind Drake London and Darnell Mooney, but it should be wide open after that. We’re going to predict Jamal Agnew—despite not appearing in a game last season—will make it as another return option with McCloud, and Nick Nash is an undrafted free agent to watch; we like his ability to win in contested coverage to give him an edge over Casey Washington.
Tight end (3)
Kyle Pitts, Charlie Woerner, Teagan Quitoriano
Trade rumors may continue to swirl around Kyle Pitts, but Atlanta would be in really rough shape at tight end if he were to be moved. As things currently stand, Charlie Woerner should be the backup with Teagan Quitoriano (coming over from the Texans) trying to beat out Feleipe Franks and undrafted rookie Joshua Simon.
Offensive tackle (4)
Jake Matthews, Kaleb McGary, Jack Nelson (R), Storm Norton
The Falcons have been fortunate to have left tackle Jake Matthews stay healthy in all but one game throughout his career (and that was as a rookie in 2014), and Kaleb McGary hasn’t missed extended time either. If injury strikes, though, a top offensive line could have issues with seventh-round rookie Jack Nelson and Storm Norton as the expected backup tackles.
Interior offensive line (5)
Matthew Bergeron, Ryan Neuzil, Chris Lindstrom, Joshua Gray (R), Jovaughn Gwyn
Atlanta already had a key loss up front with Drew Dalman signing in Chicago this offseason, but Ryan Neuzil got valuable experience last year—so a decline on the interior doesn’t need to happen. Similar to offensive tackle, the concern would come if an injury were to strike, but Joshua Gray is another undrafted free agnet with a real chance here, and he’ll factor in with some combination of Jovaughn Gwyn, Kyle Hinton, and Elijah Wilkinson.
Interior defensive line (6)
David Onyemata, Ruke Orhorhoro, Morgan Fox, Zach Harrison, Brandon Dorlus, Kentavius Street
It’s only been one season, but the Falcons surrendered a third-round pick to move up for Ruke Orhorhoro in the 2024 NFL Draft—and he was a healthy inactive for a chunk of his rookie campaign. Perhaps the edge duo drafted this year will boost Orhorhoro and the rest of the interior, as Atlanta will also be counting on Zach Harrison and Brandon Dorlus to step up in a rotating group.
Edge defender (6)
Jalon Walker (R), James Pearce Jr. (R), Leonard Floyd, Arnold Ebiketie, Bralen Trice, DeAngelo Malone
The pass rush for the Falcons did come alive some down the stretch last year when head coach Raheem Morris took over the defense, and adding Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr.—ranked No. 3 and No. 11 respectively on the Wolf Sports big board—will cause it to go from a weakness to a strength. The team also added Leonard Floyd (who has recorded 8.5+ sacks in each of the past five seasons), and maybe Arnold Ebiketie and/or Bralen Trice will be able to emerge as well.
Linebacker (5)
Kaden Elliss, Troy Andersen, Divine Deablo, JD Bertrand, Caleb Johnson
The roster appears close to set at linebacker, but the starting role next to Kaden Elliss is up for grabs—with Troy Anderson, Divine Deablo, and JD Bertrand all competing for snaps. Of course, the Falcons could give Jalon Walker time at off-ball linebacker, too, but five full-time options will likely make it, especially with Caleb Johnson providing an impact on special teams.
Cornerback (6)
A.J. Terrell Jr., Mike Hughes, Clark Phillips III, Billy Bowman Jr. (R), Dee Alford, Cobee Bryant (R)
Atlanta drafted Billy Bowman Jr. as a slot cornerback, so cornerback is another position where the summer will determine playing time. Other than A.J. Terrell Jr., we’d think all spots should be up for grabs, and Clark Phillips III has inside-outside versatility that other teams should check into about a possible trade if the Falcons don’t value him as a starter. Keith Taylor and Mike Ford Jr. are the cornerbacks who don’t make it, as we like Cobee Bryant to shine enough in camp to earn a roster spot as an undrafted free agent.
Safety (4)
Xavier Watts (R), Jessie Bates III, DeMarcco Hellams, Jordan Fuller
Xavier Watts dropping to the late third round could prove to be a major mistake by the rest of the league, and he could factor into the starting lineup sooner rather than later. The team also added Jordan Fuller as a veteran signing this offseason, and DeMarcco Hellams has shown enough to believe he could be the long-term option next to Watts.
Special teams (3)
Younghoe Koo, Bradley Pinion, Liam McCullough
Inconsistency from Younghoe Koo will put him in a competition with rookie Lenny Krieg this summer, but it’s unlikely he loses out as one of the most accurate kickers of all-time (including No. 1 at one point until his struggles began). Punter Bradley Pinion and long snapper Liam McCullough are both safe.