Falcons training camp is right around the corner. But first, we’ll take stock of Atlanta’s offseason and look ahead to the storylines to watch for in training camp. Plus, I have some bold predictions, and I took a crack at what the Falcons’ depth chart will look like when they open the season against the Carolina Panthers on September 10.
Atlanta Falcons Offseason Recap
Who’s In?
QB Taylor Heinicke
WR Mack Hollins
WR J.J. Arcega-Whiteside
WR Scotty Miller
WR Penny Hart
WR Slade Bolden
TE Jonnu Smith
OT Ethan Greenidge
OT Joshua Miles
EDGE Bud Dupree
DT David Onyemata
DT Calais Campbell
DT Joe Gaziano
LB Kaden Elliss
LB Andre Smith
LB Tae Davis
CB Mike Hughes
CB Tre Flowers
CB Jeff Okudah
S Jessie Bates III
Who’s Out?
QB Marcus Mariota
WR Damiere Byrd
WR Olamide Zaccheus
WR Emeka Emezie
TE MyCole Pruitt
TE Anthony Firkser
OT Chuma Edoga
OT Elijah Wilkinson
OT Germain Ifedi
G Colby Gossett
DT Abdullah Anderson
DT Matt Dickerson
DT Derrick Tangelo
DT David Anenih
DT Jaleel Johnson
DT Vincent Taylor
LB Nick Kwiatkoski
LB Rashaan Evans
CB Casey Hayward
CB Rashad Fenton
CB Mike Ford
CB Isaiah Oliver
S Jovante Moffatt
S Erik Harris
LS Beau Brinkley
Meet The Rookies
RB Bijan Robinson — Texas (1.8)
OT Matthew — Syracuse (2.38)
EDGE Zach Harrison — Ohio State (3.75)
CB Clark Phillips III — Utah (4.113)
S DeMarcco Hellams — Alabama (7.224)
G Jovaughn Gwyn — South Carolina (7.25)
WR Jared Bernhardt — Ferris State (UDFA)
WR Stanley Berryhill — Arizona (UDFA)
OLB Kuony Deng — California (UDFA)
CB Matt Hankins — Iowa (UDFA)
S Brad Hawkins — Michigan (UDFA)
DL Timothy Horne — K-State (UDFA)
WR Tyshaun James — Central Connecticut (UDFA)
ILB Nathan Landman — Colorado (UDFA)
DL Bryce Rodgers — U.C. Davis (UDFA)
DL Derrick Tangelo — Penn State (UDFA)
P Seth Vernon — Portland State (UDFA)
OL Tyler Vrabel — Boston College (UDFA)
2023 Outlook & Training Camp Storylines
Atlanta answered many of their needs on paper, but only time will tell if theꦯir offseason spending will pay off🧔. The Falcons have the benefit of playing in a not-so-competitive NFC South, so if they can handle business within the division, they have a solid chance of winning 9-10 games and an NFC South title.
Training Camp Storylines
Is Desmond Ridder the guy? Atlanta made it clear that they believe so this offseason. Still, I’m not sold. Training camp will be the first time we see what Ridder looks like in year two with one of the better offensive lines in football and an enviable stable of playmakers on offense.
How will Arthur Smith integrate Bijan Robinson into the offense? Smith has said he plans to use Robinson as a do-it-all “weapon” rather than a traditional back. Still, I’m curious to see what that looks like when there’s an actual defense on the other side and everyone is in pads. There will be little of the game plan displayed to the public, but this is a sneak peek I’ve been itching to see since draft night.
Money well spent? The Falcons spent this offseason, but will it be money well spent? Newcomers Jessie Bates III, David Onyemata, Mike Hughes, and Calais Campbell cost the Falcons a pretty penny but addressed some critical deficiencies from 2022.
Bold Predictions
Bijan Robinson will win the Offensive Rookie of the Year. Robinson is a stud, and the Falcons were a perfect fit for his skill set. Arthur Smith and the Falcons love to pound the ball and plan to use Robinson as a do-it-all “weapon” rather than a traditional back. I think Bijan is going to have a heck of a season.
The Falcons are going to the playoffs. Atlanta had a great offseason, and they will be rewarded with a trip to the p🐟layoffs for the first time s🐲ince 2017.
However, it won’t be because of Desmond Ridder. I think Ridder will benefit from the plethora of offensive weapons around him. Still, I think the Falcons will be searching for their answer under center next offseason.
Wins Over/Under (8.5)
The Falcons face the formidable challenge of achieving a winning record with quarterbacks Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke as their quarterbacks. However, past division winners in the NFC South have had records below .500. Thankfully, Atlanta’s offensive line is well-suited for Bijan Robinson, and their play caller, Arthur Smith, has a successful track record. Currently predicted to win seven games, the Falcons have a good chance of exceeding expectations if their quarterbacks perform at a high level.
Patrick grew up in Chicago's Bridgeport and Garfield Ridge neighborhoods before moving to the Western Suburbs of Chicago before eventually relocating to the Las Vegas area with his fami🅘ly in 2023. He started with Bleacher Nation in 2021 and has spent time as a Staff Writer an♏d on the Chicago Blackhawks beat. He is currently a writer and editor at Bleacher Nation covering the Chicago Bears and the NFL at large and the author of the Patrick is a member of the (PFWA).
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