Falcons Podcast: Depth Chart Surprises?

Locked On Falcons: Takeaways From the Falcons First Depth Chart with Guest Dave Choate

Jeremy Brener | Aug 11, 2021

The Atlanta Falcons released their first depth chart ahead of its preseason-opening contest Friday against head coach Arthur Smith's former team, the Tennessee Titans.

The one part that sticks out the most about the depth chart is the team's ordering of the right tackle position, placing journeyman Willie Beavers as the starter ahead of former first-round pick Kaleb McGary and rookie Jalen Mayfield.

Beavers was drafted in the fourth round by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2016 NFL Draft and played just two games in his rookie season before being waived ahead of the 2017 season.

Since then, Beavers has bounced around several practice squads around the league including the New England Patriots, a second stint with the Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, Chicago Bears and San Francisco 49ers.

He even had a stint in the XFL with the Dallas Renegades before joining the Falcons practice squad last season.

Now, he's the top tackle on the depth chart. For now.

Of course, Beavers won't stay there for long, as McGary was only activated from the PUP list this week and has not practiced much with the team.

As always, the depth chart is fluid and will likely change many times before and during the season.

On this episode of "Locked On Falcons," host Aaron Freeman invites Dave Choate from The Falcoholic to break down the team's first unofficial depth chart ahead of its first preseason game.

The pair also talk about two rookies that have surprised so far in camp before discussing the importance (or lack thereof) of the preseason and the NFL's recent rule changes on taunting.

Aaron deals with all that and more on this episode of "Locked On Falcons." For more podcasts and information, join us here.

CONTINUE READING: Did Falcons Get A Rookie Steal in O-Lineman?

Published Aug 11, 2021

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.