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Atlanta Falcons Depth Chart

By Jon Dove

Dec 20, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) is congratulated by quarterback Matt Ryan (2) after scoring a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) is congratulated by quarterback Matt Ryan (2) after scoring a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Atlanta Falcons Depth Chart looks very different from a year ago thanks to several free agent moves and draft choices.

There could be as many as six new starters within the Atlanta Falcons Depth Chart including three rookies.

Quarterback

Starters: Matt Ryan
Backup: Matt Schaub

The combination of Matt Ryan and Matt Schaub represents a strong quarterback room. Ryan needs to rebound from what was a down year last season. The Falcons made some moves to give Ryan more protection and weapons in the passing game.

Running Back

Starter: Devonta Freeman
Backups: Tevin Coleman and Terron Ward

Devonta Freeman had a great season last year as someone capable of contribute as both a runner and receiver. He figures to be a big part of the offense again, but look for the talented Tevin Coleman to also get some touches.

Fullback

Starter: Patrick DiMarco

Wide Receiver

Starters: Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu
No. 3: Justin Hardy
Backups: Devin Fuller, Aldrick Robinson, Eric Weems and Devin Hester

Mohamed Sanu had some solid seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals but will now be asked to play a bigger role with the Falcons. He needs to show that he can take advantage of the space created by Julio Jones.

Justin Hardy came on strong late last  year and should continue to improve.

Tight End

Starter: Jacob Tamme
Backups: Austin Hooper and Levine Toilolo

Jacob Tamme is the veteran presence and will continue to see the field. However, Austin Hooper is an elite athlete and oozes potential. It won’t be long until he becomes a significant part of the offensive attack.

Left Tackle

Starter: Jake Matthews
Backups: Ryan Schraeder, Laurence Gibson and Tom Compton

Jake Matthews is as steady as they come and has established himself as one of the better young left tackles in the NFL. The depth behind Matthews is a concerns as they don’t have a clear candidate to step into a starting role.

Left Guard

Starter: Andy Levitre
Backups: Wes Schweitzer and Mike Person

Andy Levitre had a bit of a career revival with the Falcons and is now one of the main pieces to the puzzle.

Center

Starter: Alex Mack
Backup: James Stone

Alex Mack was the Falcons big-ticket free agent signing this year and will have a major impact. He will keep pressure out of Matt Ryan’s face while also opening holes in the running game.

Right Guard

Starter: Chris Chester
Backups: Wes Schweitzer and Mike Person

Chris Chester is the weak link on the offensive line, but he is serviceable.

Right Tackle

Starter: Ryan Schraeder
Backups: Ryan Schraeder, Laurence Gibson and Tom Compton

Schraeder isn’t a standout and will be exposed from time to time. The entire right side of the offensive line is a concern for the Falcons.

Defensive End

Starters: Adrian Clayborn and Derrick Shelby
Backups: Tyson Jackson, Malliciah Goodman and Brooks Reed

There has been a very interesting development this offseason where the Falcons appear to be moving Vic Beasley to outside linebacker. This move doesn’t make much sense since the Falcons don’t have anyone at defensive end that can match Beasley’s pass rush ability.

Defensive Tackle

Starters: Grady Jarrett and Ra’Shede Hageman
Backups: Jonathan Babineaux and Joey Mbu

Grady Jarrett is an undersized defensive tackle who has shown a knack for working his way into the backfield. His ability to disrupt the timing of the offense is the type of skill every defensive coach covets.

SAM Linebacker

Starter: Vic Beasley
Backups: Courtney Upshaw and Sean Weatherspoon

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It’ll be interesting to see how the experiment of moving Beasley to linebacker works out. He’s athletic enough to handle the switch, but it takes away from his opportunities to rush the passer.

Middle Linebacker

Starter: Deion Jones
Backups: De’Vondre Campbell and Paul Worrilow

Deion Jones is an undersized linebacker who wins with speed. He’s going to have issues working off blocks which makes the Falcons decision to move him to inside linebacker questionable.

This transition will be made harder thanks to the lack of bulk along the defensive line. Someone like Grady Jarrett is more of a penetration than someone who’ll occupy blockers.

WILL Linebacker

Starter: De’Vondre Campbell
Backups: Sean Weatherspoon and Philip Wheeler

Rookie De’Vondre Campbell is already working with the first team and appears to be on track to open the season as a starter. Weatherspoon and Philip Wheeler are good veteran backups who’ll be ready to step in should Campbell falter.

Cornerback

Starters: Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford
Nickelback: Jalen Collins
Backups: DeMarcus Van Dyke, Akeem King and David Mims

The Trufant and Alford combination is a good starting duo, but penciling Jalen Collins in as the No. 3 corner is a concern. He was very inconsistent as a rookie and needs to show major improvement.

He’s the defacto No. 3 corner because the other players on the roster can’t match is overall abiliy.

Safety

Starters: Keanu Neal and Kemal Ishmael
Backups: Ricardo Allen, Robenson Therezie and Charles Godfrey

I’m on record as saying that Keanu Neal was a major reach in the first round of the draft. He is a big-hitter but had issues taking proper angles while in college. His coverage skills also leave a lot to be desired.

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