Falcons D-Line Camp Preview: What's New Starting Lineup?

The Atlanta Falcons brought in a lot of new additions this offseason to bolster their defensive line. What's new coach Ryan Nielsen lineup?

The Atlanta Falcons defensive line room figures to lead the team in new faces. Improving their front four was a major priority for the Falcons this offseason after finishing near the bottom of the NFL in sacks.  For the Falcons to take the next step and return to the postseason for the first time since 2016, they need major improvement in the pass rush department. 

While the Falcons didn't spend a premium pick on improving their defensive front, they splashed the cash in free agency to patch the glaring hole on their roster. Thanks to the over $60 million in cap space, general manager Terry Fontenot was able to add veterans like Calais Campbell, David Onyemata, and Bud Dupree upfront. The three newcomers bring with them a combined 30 years of NFL experience to play alongside team captain Grady Jarrett. 

Despite the additions of these NFL-proven commodities, some still question whether the Falcons' moves were "consequential" enough. No, they didn't draft a young edge rusher to develop behind the veterans, making these signings appear to be short-term fixes. 

Campbell is 36 and about to begin his 15th training camp. Additionally, Dupree and Onyemata are both 30. Despite that, at age 29, Jarrett looks like the biggest winner of the offseason for the Falcons. Instead of having to worry about helping mentor more young players, he has fellow veterans who can provide an impact from the first snap. 

On paper, this season will feature the most talented defensive line that Jarrett has played with since his second season when the Falcons played in the Super Bowl. Although the game is not played on paper, there are still questions about how new defensive coordinator and defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen will deploy his linemen.

With players like Jarrett and Campbell, Nielsen has multiple options regarding where he can line them up. Both players can play inside and out but are arguably better suited to wreak havoc on the inside. But playing one of the two off the edge as a traditional defensive end would allow Oneymata to play on the inside as the second defensive tackle.

So what does SI's Falcon Report see as the most likely starting lineup for the Falcons' defensive line come week one? 

RE: Grady Jarrett

DT: Calais Campbell 

DT: David Oneymata 

LE/Hybrid OLB: Lorenzo Carter or Bud Dupree

Despite coaching a New Orleans Saints defense that was a predominant 4-3 scheme, Nielsen has the option of being more hybrid in Atlanta. With the current roster construction, the Falcons can play either 3-4 or 4-3. If Nielsen wants to switch to a three-down front, Oneymata can play nose, while Jarrett and Campbell play as the ends, with Dupree and Carter both able to highlight as hybrid outside backers.

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