LOOK: Falcons Reveal Depth Chart Before Season Opener vs. Panthers - 4 Takeaways
The Atlanta Falcons returned to the practice field earlier this week at Flowery Branch with a feeling much different than every other Monday practice in the past five months - the intensity of game week.
Atlanta is set to host the Carolina Panthers inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium this Sunday, marking the start of a season filled with optimism after adding several new faces this spring.
But where - and how - do those additions, such as running back Bijan Robinson, safety Jessie Bates III, defensive lineman David Onyemata and more, stack up on the depth chart?
The Falcons released an official depth chart on Tuesday evening, their first since the preseason ended and an early look at what to expect come Sunday.
Here's how Atlanta will line up in Week 1, along with four takeaways ...
OFFENSE:
Quarterback: Desmond Ridder, Taylor Heinicke, Logan Woodside
Running Back: Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier
"J": Cordarrelle Patterson
No. 1 Receiver: Drake London, Scotty Miller, Josh Ali
No. 2 Receiver: Mack Hollins, KhaDarel Hodge
No. 1 Tight End: Kyle Pitts, MyCole Pruitt, John FitzPatrick
No. 2 Tight End: Jonnu Smith, Keith Smith
Left Tackle: Jake Matthews, Isaiah Prince
Left Guard: Matthew Bergeron, Jovaughn Gwyn
Center: Drew Dalman, Ryan Neuzil
Right Guard: Chris Lindstrom, Kyle Hinton
Right Tackle: Kaleb McGary
DEFENSE:
Defensive Line No. 1: Grady Jarrett, Albert Huggins
Defensive Line No. 2: David Onyemata, Ta'Quon Graham
Defensive Line No. 3: Calais Campbell, Zach Harrison, Joe Gaziano
No. 1 Outside Linebacker: Bud Dupree, Lorenzo Carter
No. 2 Outside Linebacker: Arnold Ebiketie, DeAngelo Malone
No. 1 Inside Linebacker: Kaden Elliss, Nate Landman
No. 2 Inside Linebacker: Troy Andersen, Tae Davis
No. 1 Cornerback: A.J. Terrell, Mike Hughes
No. 2 Cornerback: Jeff Okudah, Tre Flowers
Nickel Cornerback: Dee Alford, Clark Phillips III
Free Safety: Jessie Bates, Jaylinn Hawkins
Strong Safety: Richie Grant, DeMarcco Hellams
SPECIALISTS:
Kicker: Younghoe Koo
Punter: Bradley Pinion
Long Snapper: Liam McCullough
Holder: Bradley Pinion
Punt Returner: Dee Alford, Mike Hughes
Kick Returner: Cordarrelle Patterson, Mike Hughes
TAKEAWAYS
The Falcons appear to have created a new position for Patterson, simply labeling him "J" - could it stand for 'Jack of all Trades'? Perhaps, but regardless of the official designation, that type of versatile role is the one he's projected to play.
Keith Smith was listed as a tight end, but he'll continue serving as Atlanta's fullback. The same situation arose in 2021, of which Falcons coach Arthur Smith said at the time that he arranged the depth chart in 12 personnel and simply had no room to place the fullback position.
There are officially two rookies slated to start in Robinson and Bergeron. Atlanta's entire six-man class made the roster out of camp, with Harrison, Phillips III, Hellams and Gwyn all being placed as backups.
It'll be interesting to see how the Falcons handle the corner position opposite Terrell, as Okudah isn't expected to play in Week 1. Flowers was appointed the backup and took first-team snaps there in camp, but Hughes is technically the No. 3 outside cornerback, above Flowers. The lean here is that Flowers gets the nod, but both could see time Sunday.
The answer will be in soon enough, as the Falcons and their newly released depth chart will kick off the season against the Panthers at 1 p.m. Sunday.
