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Falcons' First Depth Chart Offers Insight

The Falcons' 2016 roster is constantly evolving and we've amassed all the players in one gallery that will be updated throughout the year

With the Atlanta Falcons' first exhibition game just a few days away, the unofficial depth chart for the 2015 preseason (click here to view) has been released, and here are a few key observations:

  • Following a year when Ricardo Allen was drafted in the fifth round, waived after training camp, and re-signed to the practice squad, he switched positions this offseason from cornerback to free safety. Allen will now line up across from William Moore as the other starting safety.
  • Rookie first-round draft pick Vic Beasley Jr. is listed as the starter at defensive end along with Tyson Jackson. Free agent addition, Adrian Clayborn, is behind Jackson on the depth chart in one of the most anticipated competitions of training camp.
  • Chris Chester is now listed as the starting right guard, over Jon Asamoah, who signed a long-term deal with the Falcons last offseason. Although this might come as a surprise to most, it should be known that the zone-blocking scheme is a rotation system that requires a lot of depth at this position.
  • Second-year defensive tackle Ra'Shede Hageman currently has the edge over 11-year veteran Jonathan Babineaux. Dan Quinn's defensive scheme requires his players to play fast and physical, and Hageman has done just that with an impressive camp thus far.
  • Wide receiver Justin Hardy has been impressive during training camp, and he's listed as a third-string wideout behind the obvious first-string targets, Roddy White and Julio Jones. Leonard Hankerson currently sits behind Roddy White as a second-string receiver with Devin Hester also at the same spot.
  • Although he is currently out with an injured hip/groin, Brooks Reed is listed as one of the three starting linebackers, ahead of O'Brien Schofield, who played under Dan Quinn's defense in Seattle last year.
  • Devonta Freeman returns as the first-string running back, and Tevin Coleman, the rookie out of Indiana, is listed as the second-string back. The No. 3 option is Antone Smith and No. 4 is Terron Ward. At this point in camp, there's typically not much attention paid to the third- and fourth-string running backs, but as Freeman and Coleman continue to nurse hamstring injuries, all eyes will be on Smith and Ward as it looks like they will get majority of the carries on Friday night against Tennessee.
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