The Atlanta Falcons don’t open training camp until July 31, but with OTAs and mandatory minicamp in the books, here are the five position battles that will define Atlanta’s preseason:
Right tackle
Kaleb McGary’s injury has opened up the right side of the offensive line. The Falcons signed veteran Storm Norton in the offseason as a swing tackle, but the early favorite to start is 2024 fourth-round pick Michael Jerrell, who started four games as a rookie. The competition between Jerrell and Norton will be one of the most-watched battles of camp.
Right guard
Chris Lindstrom remains locked in at left guard. The right side is more open after the Falcons declined to re-sign Drew Dalman. Veteran Nate Davis is the early favorite, but the team used a third-round pick on guard Xavier Truss, who impressed in rookie minicamp and could push for the job.
Edge rusher opposite Arnold Ebiketie
Ebiketie is the incumbent, but the Falcons need a partner on the other side. Lorenzo Carter is the early favorite, but the team added rookie Jalon Walker in the first round of the draft and signed free agent Shaquil Barrett, who is coming off an Achilles injury. Barrett looked fully healthy in minicamp and could quickly become the starter.
Wide receiver
Drake London is locked in as the No. 1. Beyond him, the Falcons have Darnell Mooney, Rondale Moore and Ray-Ray McCloud competing for snaps. London and Mooney are the clear starters, but the slot and No. 3 roles are wide open.
Running back depth
Bijan Robinson is the unquestioned starter and the team’s most explosive player. Behind him, the Falcons used a third-round pick on Texas A&M’s Amari Daniels to pair with Tyler Allgeier. Both are expected to make the team, but special-teams play will likely determine who makes the active roster on game days.
Falcons coach Raheem Morris has emphasized competition throughout the offseason, telling reporters at minicamp that “no one has a job locked in.”
“Every year is a new year,” Morris said. “We’re not going to hand anyone anything.”
The Falcons open training camp July 31 at IBM Performance Field in Flowery Branch. The first open practice for the public is Saturday, August 1 — already sold out. Free open practices continue through August 12 before joint sessions with Indianapolis August 19-20.
