Offense

Quarterback (2) | Desmond Ridder, Taylor Heinicke

I kept just two on my first roster projection, but fans need to get used to the Falcons and every other club possibly carrying three quarterbacks. The league’s new quarterback rule enables teams to keep a third, allowing the emergency signal caller to be dressed and available to play without counting against the 48-man game day roster limit.

Logan Woodside is likely to remain on the practice squad, though. He and Arthur Smtih have worked together for several years dating back to their time with the Titans. Moreover, Woodside looked excellent during the Falcons first exhibition contest against the Dolphins.

Running back (3) | Bijan Robinson, Cordarrelle Patterson, Tyler Allgeier

Nothing new here.

Full back (1) | Keith Smith

The 10-year vet is critical to the Falcons success, but Parker Hesse can assume some H-back snaps if need be, so Smith’s spot isn’t guaranteed.

Tight end (4) | Kyle Pitts, Jonnu Smith, Parker Hesse, MyCole Pruitt

In my first roster projection, this was the group I had, even before the injury news of Feleipe Franks. Who knows whether or not the former collegiate quarterback would’ve made the roster had he been healthy? For now, the group is unchanged.

Wide receiver (6) | Drake London, Mack Hollins, Scotty Miller, KhaDarel Hodge, Penny Hart, Josh Ali

Drake London, Mack Hollins, and Scotty Miller are all locks. The others are fighting for roster spots via special teams.

In my first projection, I had the Falcons keeping Hodge, Hart, and Darby because of their value in the game’s third phase. Hodge is probably the team’s best special teamer, and Hart is a skilled punt returner.

However, Darby has been waived. With him out of the picture, I went with Ali, but your guess is as good as mine here. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Falcons rolled with five wideouts instead of six.

Offensive line (8) | Jake Matthews, Matthew Bergeron, Drew Dalman, Chris Lindstrom, Kaleb McGary, Jalen Mayfield, Jovaughn Gwyn, Ryan Neuzil

The Falcons’ offensive line is severely thin. Matt Hennessy and Ethan Greenridge were in line to be the first reserves off the bench. Hennessy would be the swing interior lineman and Greenridge as the swing tackle. Now, there’s no telling who is going to make it.

Andrew Norwell, Dalton Risner, and Gabe Jackson are free agent options, but swing tackle is the more pressing issue, and there aren’t any worthwhile free agents available. I expect the last couple of roster spots here to be occupied by players that are currently on rosters but will be cut by August 29th. For now, I’ll leave it at eight offensive linemen, but it will be nine going into Week 1.

Defense

Defensive line (7) | Grady Jarrett, Calais Campbell, Ta’Quon Graham, David Onyemata, Zach Harrison, Timmy Horne, Joe Gaziano

Nothing changes here from my first Falcons roster projection.

Outside linebacker (4) | Lorenzo Carter, Bud Dupree, Arnold Ebiketie, DeAngelo Malone

I actually had Ade Ogundeji not making the roster in my first projection. The former fifth-round pick has consistently slid down the depth chart, and a stint on the injured reserve has made that official.

Inside linebacker (4) | Troy Andersen, Kaden Elliss, Nate Landman, Tae Davis

The Falcons waived Mykal Walker in the surprise move of the offseason, making way for Landman and Davis to make the roster — both of whom are valuable on special teams.

Safety (4) | Jessie Bates III, Richie Grant, Jaylinn Hawkins, DeMarcco Hellams

Nothing changes here. Hellams solidified his position in my eyes with a great effort against the Dolphins.

Cornerback (7) | A.J. Terrell, Jeff Okudah, Dee Alford, Mike Hughes, Clark Phillips III, Tre Flowers, Cornell Armstrong

The first edition had six cornerbacks with Armstrong left off, but keeping only eight offensive linemen enables me to keep him in this one. With injuries to Okduah and Hughes, the Falcons are dangerously close to being in a tough spot at cornerback. So, why not add a little insurance?

Specialists (3) | Younghoe Koo, Bradley Pinion, Liam McCullough

This is one simple; no changes.

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What is your Falcons roster projection?

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Photographer: Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire