Falcons post-draft 53-man roster projection

The Falcons have nearly filled out the team’s 90-man roster, but there will certainly be more tweaks to create as much competition as possible on the depth chart.

Rookie minicamp is on its way, which will be followed by organized team activities and mandatory mini camp, but I’m going to attempt to project the final 53-man roster today.

I will revisit this projection further down the round and will update them as the offseason progresses. Without further ado, my Falcons post-draft 53-man roster projection:

Quarterbacks (2)

1. Desmond Ridder
2. Taylor Heinicke

Running Backs (4)

1. Bijan Robinson
2. Tyler Allgeier
3. Cordarrelle Patterson
4. Avery Williams

Fullbacks (1)

1. Keith Smith

Wide Receivers (5)

1. Drake London
2. Mack Hollins
3. Scotty Miller
4. KhaDarel Hodge
5. Justin Marshall

Tight Ends (4)

1. Kyle Pitts
2. Jonnu Smith
3. Parker Hesse
4. Feleipe Franks

Offensive Tackles (3)

1. Jake Matthews 
2. Kaleb McGary 
3. Germain Ifedi

Interior Offensive Linemen (5)

1. Chris Lindstrom 
2. Drew Dalman 
3. Matthew Bergeron
4, Matt Hennessy
5. Jalen Mayfield

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I think there are only a few positions here up for grabs. The final tight end, receiver, and interior offensive line competitions will be fierce. The battle for the final wide receiver spot will come down to Frank Darby, Jared Bernhardt, some undrafted free agents, and a number of reserve/future contracts. Honestly, I went with Justin Marshall to be different.

Feleipe Franks more than likely makes this team, regardless of what the fans think. Arthur Smith has some fascination with the former collegiate quarterback. I also went with Jalen Mayfield over Ryan Neuzil because of his injury in 2022. I expect the Falcons not to give up on a third-rounder so early.

A few Falcons free agent signings would nip all of this competition in the bud, though. If MyCole Pruiit were to join the club, Franks’ standing would be in serious doubt. Moreover, if the Jets were to part ways with Corey Davis, I could see Arthur Smith making a move for his former wideout in Tennessee, pushing everyone down the depth chart and Marshall off it entirely.

Defensive Linemen (6)

1. Grady Jarrett
2. Calais Campbell
3. David Onyemata
4. Ta’Quon Graham
5. Eddie Goldman
6. Zach Harrison

EDGE (5)

1. Lorenzo Carter
2. Bud Dupree
3. Arnold Ebiketie
4. Ade Ogundeji
5. DeAngelo Malone

Inside Linebackers (4)

1. Troy Andersen
2. Kaden Elliss
3. Mykal Walker
4. Tae Davis

Cornerbacks (7)

1. A.J. Terrell
2. Jeff Okudah
3. Mike Hughes
4. Clark Phillips III
5. Darren Hall
6. Dee Alford
7. Cornell Armstrong

Safeties (4)

1. Jessie Bates III
2. Richie Grant
3. Jaylinn Hawkins
4. DeMarcco Hellams

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There are several different directions the Falcons can go on defense. They could choose to stick with 12 players along the defensive front, adding somebody like Joe Gaziano instead of Dee Alford or Cornell Armstrong. Nobody should be surprised if Ade Ogundeji is on the roster bubble in the same manner as Jalen Mayfield. The cornerback room is one of the stiffest position battles this offseason.

Specialists (3)

K Younghoe Koo
P Bradley Pinion
LS Liam McCullough

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Nothing new here; all three Falcons specialists return in 2023.

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Photographer: John Byrum/Icon Sportswire