FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – Two preseason games are in the books, leaving only one exhibition remaining until the Falcons must pare their current roster down to 53 players by the NFL's deadline on Aug. 27.
Head coach Raheem Morris chose to rest a large chunk of players in Atlanta’s game against Baltimore on Saturday, and it seems unlikely that approach will change in the preseason finale against Jacksonville. The team plans to hold an intrasquad scrimmage on Wednesday, which could factor into the ultimate roster decisions.
With exactly one week to go until the Falcons settle on their initial roster for the season, senior editor and staff writer Will McFadden shares his 53-man prediction.
OFFENSE
Quarterback (3)
Kirk Cousins | Michael Penix Jr. | Taylor Heinicke
There might have been an interesting conversation about the third quarterback spot in Atlanta if things played out differently in Baltimore, but Heinicke looked much more like himself on Saturday. It wasn't perfect — things rarely are in the preseason — but he made some very nice plays en route to finishing 8 of 16 for 114 yards.
Head coach Raheem Morris explained after the game that he’s comfortable enough with what he’s seen from Penix and doesn't feel the need to play him again this preseason. It seems likely the Falcons will go with three quarterbacks. However, there are some tight roster battles elsewhere. If Atlanta needs to open up a spot, it should look at all options.
Running back (4)
Bijan Robinson | Tyler Allgeier | Avery Williams | Jase McClellan
Robinson and Allgeier are locks, of course, and I've been very impressed with Williams' performance at running back this preseason. We all know what he can do in the return game, which is why I think he's also got a spot nailed down, but it's clear he's coming into his own as an offensive player. Remember, Williams played cornerback in college before making the switch at the NFL level.
I'm giving McClellan the nod over Carlos Washington Jr. in part because the latter will likely be a strong candidate to return to Atlanta's practice squad whereas the rookie sixth-round draft pick could get scooped up. He's also just performed better this preseason. McClellan has carried the ball 20 times for a team-high 85 yards and a touchdown. Washington has 25 rush attempts for 64 yards and a touchdown.
Wide receiver (6)
Drake London | Darnell Mooney | Ray-Ray McCloud | KhaDarel Hodge | Casey Washington | Chris Blair
This is the first position where Tori and I differ. In her defense, I might not have listed Blair's name before seeing his preseason encore performance on Saturday against Baltimore. Blair was targeted five times, hauling in four passes for a game-high 91 yards. His 136 receiving yards are third-most among all NFL players this preseason and only 3 yards shy of the lead.
Tight end (3)
Kyle Pitts | Charlie Woerner | Ross Dwelley
I was a little reluctant to leave FitzPatrick off my stab at the 53-man roster, but I think it's a little telling he played 91% of the offensive snaps against Baltimore. On a day where a lot of players were held out of action, FitzPatrick played more than anyone other than Jovaughn Gwyn on offense. The third-year tight end hasn't been bad, but this is a strong position group. Could they keep four? Absolutely. These final spots feel very tight.
Offensive line (8)
Jake Matthews | Matthew Bergeron | Drew Dalman | Chris Lindstrom | Kaleb McGary | Storm Norton | Kyle Hinton | Ryan Neuzil
Trust me when I tell you that only at the last second did I erase Gwyn's name from this list. The 2023 seventh-round draft pick has impressed the heck out of me in camp and preseason games. He shows nice awareness as a versatile interior lineman and is progressing well as a run blocker. Neverthless, I believe Gwyn could end up on the practice squad.
But the battle between Hinton and Gwyn, to me, feels tight. Hinton had a strong performance against Baltimore, punctuated by an awesome pancake block on a McClellan run in the second quarter. He's played well and has been in the league for a little bit longer, so he gets the nod. Norton is a safe bet at swing tackle, and Neuzil continues to be the main backup center.
DEFENSE
Defensive line (8)
Grady Jarrett | David Onyemata | Ta'Quon Graham | Zach Harrison | Eddie Goldman | Kentavius Street | Ruke Orhorhoro | Brandon Dorlus
After a full week of telling Tori how crazy she was for keeping eight defensive linemen on her 53-man roster, here I am with a mouthful of my own words. Go ahead, you try making another cut to this list. If we're operating under the assumption that Atlanta plans to keep its second- and fourth-round draft picks, then Goldman and Street would be the two guys most in jeopardy.
However, Street balled out in joint practices and the preseason game against Miami and was among those who sat in Baltimore. So was Goldman, who has the distinction of being the only defensive lineman listed over 315 pounds on the roster. Goldman has a clear niche in this defense, which likely matters to a coaching staff preaching role clarity.
Outside linebacker (4)
Matt Judon | Lorenzo Carter | Arnold Ebiketie | James Smith-Williams
The trade for Judon strengthens and clarifies this group. Demone Harris has played well this preseason, but he's left as the odd man out after the addition. Ebiketie serves as this group's most high-octane pass rusher, and Judon's presence should allow him to stay fresh. In his second season, Ebiketie was an efficient pass rusher and finished with six sacks on the year. He is the x-factor for this position, and maybe the entire defense.
Inside linebacker (4)
Kaden Elliss | Troy Andersen | Nate Landman | JD Bertrand
From the moment camp started, it felt like this was a very strong foursome for this defense. The trio of Elliss, Andersen and Landman provides the coaching staff with a lot of room for creativity, and it's clear just observing them how tight the relationship is between them. Bertrand has played a lot of football this summer, which is a great thing for the fifth-round pick's development.
Cornerback (6)
A.J. Terrell | Mike Hughes | Dee Alford | Clark Phillips III | Kevin King | Antonio Hamilton Sr.
For those reading the tea leaves, neither Hamilton nor King played a single defensive snap in Baltimore after logging over half the snaps against Miami. Both guys looked confident in that first game and played well. If King and Hamilton continue to perform the way they have in camp, this could be a stronger collection than public perception would indicate right now. It seems Phillips has also taken a step forward in Year 2.
Safety (4)
Jessie Bates III | Justin Simmons | Richie Grant | DeMarcco Hellams
By adding Simmons to this group, general manager Terry Fontenot put a core philosophy into practice — adding good players to a position of strength. Bates continued to establish himself as a preeminent safety in the league last season, a reputation Simmons has also carried for a while. Together, they should form one of the most cerebral, versatile and impactful safety duos in the NFL.
If there's any intention to place Hellams on injured reserve after the 53-man roster deadline has passed, thus allowing him to return later in the year, I'd expect that move to happen sooner rather than later. That would free up a spot to add another safety for however long Hellams is sidelined, maybe Abernathy is a good in-house candidate for that. Or, the Falcons could use that extra spot for one of their players right on the bubble.
SPECIALISTS (3)
Kicker: Younghoe Koo | Punter: Bradley Pinion | Long snapper: Liam McCullough
Although Koo gave fans something to talk about in the second preseason game, his three-miss performance shouldn't be blown out of proportion. Koo is entering his fifth year with Atlanta as the unquestioned starting kicker, and he's proven to be one of the most reliable in that time. All three specialists should be back for another go.
