Falcons 2019 roster: Position-by-position breakdown

Aug 31, 2019 at 03:59 PM

Kelsey Conway

AtlantaFalcons.com reporter

The Atlanta Falcons trimmed their roster down to 52 players on Saturday (kicker Matt Bryant agreed to terms but has not signed officially, but we're counting him below). Here's a position-by-position breakdown of roster as the team heads into the 2019 regular season. It's worth noting that beginning at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday, teams can begin signing players to their 10-man practice squad.

RELATED CONTENT

Let's start with the offense:

Quarterbacks (2)

Analysis: No big surprises here. Matt Schaub will serve as Matt Ryan's backup for the fifth season.

Wide receivers (6)

Analysis: Undrafted free agent Olamide Zaccheaus earned the final spot. Zaccheaus made several impressive catches throughout training camp and the preseason and also showed he can return punts for the Falcons. Atlanta enters the season with one of the best receiver units in the league.

Running backs (6)

Analysis: The Falcons' running backs room is loaded with depth. Brian Hill and Qadree Ollison both proved their cases for a spot on the roster during the preseason and ultimately coach Dan Quinn and GM Thomas Dimitroff opted to keep both. A healthy Devonta Freeman will carry the load with Ito Smith backing him up in his second season.

Tight ends (3)

Analysis: After spending the 2018 season on the practice squad, Jaeden Graham earned a spot on the 52-man roster. Graham flashed on multiple occasions during the preseason with his ability to make plays in the passing game but also as a reliable blocker for the Falcons. Austin Hooper is coming off a Pro Bowl season and the Falcons added a veteran presence with Luke Stocker in the room.

Offensive line (9)

Analysis: A unit that's changed significantly from the 2018 season. Chris Lindstrom, James Carpenter, Jamon Brown and Kaleb McGary are all in their first seasons. Matt Gono has continued to develop and is making a push for the starting right tackle spot with McGary and Ty Sambrailo in the mix. The starting left guard has yet to be solidified between Brown and Carpenter.

Now switching over to the other side of the ball:

Defensive line (9)

Analysis: The Falcons have high hopes for Allen Bailey and Tyeler Davison in their first year working with Quinn who has taken over as defensive coordinator and working closely with the defensive line unit. The group is anchored by Grady Jarrett who looks like he's due for his best season yet. Quinn is counting on big seasons from Takk McKinley and Vic Beasley coming off the edge.

Linebackers (5)

Analysis: You could make a case for Jermaine Grace as Atlanta's preseason MVP. His performance in the five games earned him a spot on the 53-man roster and looks to be someone the Falcons will be able to count on from a depth standpoint at this position. Deion Jones returns healthy and look for De'Vondre Campbell to have a strong season, too.

Cornerbacks (6)

Analysis: Isaiah Oliver enters his second season as one of the starting cornerbacks for the Falcons. All eyes will be on him and Desmond Trufant. Damontae Kazee joins the group after switching to nickel cornerback this offseason.

Safeties (4)

Analysis: Keanu Neal and Ricardo Allen return to the starting lineup after suffering season-ending injuries in the 2018 season. Sharrod Neasman and Kemal Ishmael are two players who have been around the Falcons' locker room and are trusted backups.

And to complete the roster, a look at the special teams unit.

Special teams (3)

Matt Bryant (agreed to terms on Saturday)
Matt Bosher
Josh Harris

Analysis: The Falcons agreed to terms with Matt Bryant on Saturday (and has not officially signed) after a preseason where the kicker position turned into a question mark. He'll assume the kicking duties when the Falcons begin preparation for the Vikings on Monday.