RSS Falcons Team Notes

[Atlanta Falcons]

Falcons tight end roster review: Quality production but uncertainty lingers

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 23 : Kyle Pitts Sr. #8 of the Atlanta Falcons goes up for the ball during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on November 23, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Tight end has consistently been a position the Falcons prioritize being a strength of the roster. Other than 2014 and 2015, when Levine Toilolo and Jacob Tamme were starters, they have made the necessary investments to ensure the starting tight end is a difference maker. Kyle Pitts has received many labels in his career. No matter how he has been assessed, there is no denying that he can make a difference. How frequently he makes a difference is the biggest talking point when Pitts is mentioned in conversations.

It happened fairly often for him in 2025, resulting in a tremendous year. Pitts took charge as one of the primary pass catchers, delivering more times than not in difficult circumstances. His overall growth was one of the biggest highlights in an incredibly frustrating season for the Falcons. It was also needed at a position that left plenty to be desired behind him. As great as Pitts played, the backups failed to be the steady blockers required to jolt a running game that struggled to generate movement and relied far too often on Bijan Robinson’s brilliance.

Kyle Pitts​

After years of questions surrounding his overall ability, the dynamic tight end had a memorable season in reestablishing himself as one of the top pass-catching playmakers at the position. Pitts set career highs in receptions and touchdowns. He served as the focal point of the passing game at various points during the season to great effect. There were notable improvements in his ability to gain yards after catch, aggressiveness at the catch point, and blocking at the point of attack. While there were moments of frustration with his inconsistency at making contested catches and lapses in concentration that led to committing seven penalties, it was rewarding for everyone invested in the Falcons to see Pitts play up to his potential.

His spectacular performance in a thrilling win over Tampa Bay will be forever remembered. There were strong showings against Washington, Arizona, and Seattle that proved he can be effective lining up as an in-line tight end while still being a tremendous threat lining up across different spots in various formations. Pitts expanded his skill set to become a capable traditional tight end when needed, as Zac Robinson dissected ways to utilize his greatest attributes.

What he produced in 2025 leaves the new regime with plenty to ponder as Pitts is scheduled to become a free agent. It seems unlikely they will allow him to hit the open market, but there will be discussions about using a franchise tag to keep him instead of signing him to a long-term deal. Kevin Stefanski’s offensive system has heavily featured tight ends in the passing game. The idea of allowing one of the league’s most prolific players at the position to play elsewhere seems nonsensical from a personnel and schematic standpoint, especially for a team severely lacking viable options at wide receiver.

Where the organization stands financially and how it feels about his two outstanding seasons compared to three inconsistent, injury-plagued years will ultimately determine his future. Pitts is on an exciting trajectory of becoming a complete tight end. Ranking fifth on the all-time list of receiving yards among tight ends at 25 years old is a testament to his exceptional playmaking capabilities. He may still be considered polarizing by some, but his status as a 2025 second-team All-Pro can’t be discounted.

Charlie Woerner​

Woerner has played a pivotal role in the Falcons’ offense over the last two seasons. Robinson’s vision for running outside zone heavily featured Woerner as a lead blocker and in motion to either get to the second level on a linebacker or combine with an offensive lineman to create movement on an edge defender. He was effective in his first season in Atlanta by driving defenders back or delivering punishing wham blocks to create running lanes. Much like many of the positive aspects of the Falcons’ offense in 2024, it didn’t carry over into this past season.

Opposing defenses telegraphed Woerner’s motions and flooded to where he was moving towards to collapse designed runs. The coaching staff’s inability to adjust put the personnel at a major disadvantage. Woerner still struggled mightily to win individual matchups and create the necessary movement to give the running backs space to operate. Per Pro Football Focus, Woerner played 565 snaps this past season. He was sometimes more of a liability than an asset as a blocker, which created more pressure on a run-first offense that didn’t have many capable wide receivers on the roster.

Woener’s cap number is nearly at $5.8 million this year. It’s difficult to see him on the roster with that total. His play hasn’t justified it based on how often he was either overpowered or a step behind on blocks expected to be made. Stefanski has proven he can maximize tight ends’ skill sets, with Harrison Bryant and Jordan Adkins making valuable contributions as role players. There’s no reason why he can’t sign or draft a player to be a strong backup tight end.

Teagan Quitoriano​

The 2022 fifth-round pick primarily played when the offense used 13 personnel in games against the Vikings, Saints, Cardinals, and Rams. Limiting the damage Minnesota and Los Angeles can cause with their pressure up front provided Quitoriano with more blocking opportunities. The Falcons played within positive game scripts in most of those four games, allowing them to run the ball often with three tight end sets.

Quitoriano never particularly stood out as a blocker. There were plays in short-yardage situations, where he didn’t get the push needed to help Tyler Allgeier convert on third and fourth down. It’s unlikely he will be re-signed to be the third tight end.

2026 Outlook​

The position will be revamped to some extent this offseason. Whether it will be completely overhauled will be based on how the new regime values Pitts. They can acquire two tight ends, possibly signing one of Stefanski’s favorites in David Njoku. If they decide Pitts isn’t worth investing in, the position will have to be reconstructed with at least one capable player, given the lack of draft capital.

As long as Pitts remains on the roster, they will have the flexibility to make some low-risk moves to solidify a positional group that Stefanski heavily values and should be one of the biggest strengths on the roster.

Source: https://www.thefalcoholic.com/atlan...ew-quality-production-but-uncertainty-lingers

 

[Atlanta Falcons]

Falcons reportedly will release Kirk Cousins before new league year

Jan 4, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) passes the ball against the New Orleans Saints during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Surprise, surprise.

As I wrote back on January 6, Atlanta’s contract adjustment for Kirk Cousins indicated that they were going to cut him, given that they would have a truly unpalatable cap hit next year if they did not. Now Adam Schefter is reporting that the Falcons are planning to do so before the start of the new league year, likely as a post-June 1 designation, a move that will give the team a bit more cap space now and save quite a bit next year. Cousins will be free to seek a starting job somewhere, with the Minnesota Vikings and their J.J. McCarthy conundrum seemingly making them a quality landing spot.

Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins is expected to be released before the start of the new league year in March, allowing him to choose where or if he wants to play in 2026, per league sources.https://t.co/4sFE7eCgEo

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 7, 2026

Again, this is just Schefter quasi-confirmation of something we already knew, given the numbers involved. If the team decided to hold on to Cousins for any reason, they’d either eat closer to a $70 million cap charge in 2027 or have to substantially re-tool the deal, sending waves of money crashing into future seasons when they’d surely like to have the flexibility.

Cousins, who will be 38 this coming season, finishes his time in Atlanta with a 12-10 record, a single game record for passing yardage, three stellar games against the Buccaneers, and a mixed track record against everyone else. He wasn’t great aside from a handful of games and wasn’t terrible aside from an ugly stretch late in 2024, but the Falcons signed him hoping he would pilot them to the playoffs for at least two years and that did not happen. Both the team and the player will likely be glad to have this era come to an end soon.

Source: https://www.thefalcoholic.com/atlan...l-release-kirk-cousins-before-new-league-year

 

[Atlanta Falcons]

Atlanta Falcons Mock Draft 1.0: Bringing the Beef

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 29: Isaiah World #76 of the Oregon Ducks lines up against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) | Getty Images

With the final whistle blown on the 2025–26 NFL season, we have reached one of my favorite times of the year: Mock draft season has officially arrived.

Welcome, Atlanta Falcons fans, to the Kevin Stefanski experience.

Expect the field to shrink, heavier personnel, and an offense built to dictate terms instead of reacting to them. Under Stefanski, expect condensed formations designed to support a physical, efficient run game. With the hiring of Bill Callahan, one of the most respected offensive line coaches in football, that unit isn’t expected to be a passable unit. It’s expected to be a key component of the team’s future success.

Still, the Falcons enter the offseason with no shortage of questions.

On defense, who lines up opposite A.J. Terrell, and how does Atlanta replace the production of James Pearce Jr.?
Up front, can Jake Matthews and Kaleb McGary hold up for another season?
On offense, is Tyler Allgeier going to be here next year? Does the receiver room require Darnell Mooney insurance? And is Kyle Pitts part of the long-term plan?

Then there’s the elephant in the room: if Michael Penix Jr. isn’t ready to go, who’s under center in Week 1?

This first mock draft is an attempt to get Stefanski and company started in the right direction, with a monumental emphasis on the interior of both lines. If this year’s Super Bowl, highlighted by relentless pressure and a game-sealing strip sack, taught us anything, it’s that championships are still won in the trenches.

So, let’s bring on the beef.

Round 2, Pick 48: Isaiah World, OT, Oregon​

Height: 6’8”​

Weight: 318​

Year: RS Senior​

One of the benefits of having a tackle as consistent as Jake Matthews, and a world-class offensive line coach, is that you can take some shots that other teams with more pressing, immediate needs along the offensive line cannot. And with the first pick of the Stefanski-Ryan-Cunningham regime, you better believe I’m getting the toolsiest offensive lineman that I can find.

Isaiah World entered the 2025 NCAA season as perhaps the best transfer player, let alone offensive lineman, after spending four years at Nevada. As an Oregon Duck, he had the pleasure of going against Matayo Uiagalelei every day in practice, helping World with the fundamentals of playing the tackle position. His basketball background lends to his stellar athleticism and quick feet.

With Callahan in tow, Stefanski and company can take a shot on developing World into, at worst, a useful piece in the offensive line rotation, and at best, a Jake Matthews replacement, so the Ironman can finally ride off in the sunset.

Oregon LT Isaiah World is 6-8, 318 & will make me (6-5, 210) look like a little kid in Senior Bowl interviews.

45 starts between Nevada & Oregon
Freak wingspan; rushers running the arc are
Better knee bend &than expected
Picks up stunts & blitzers

@StoneyKeeley https://t.co/KH2ck7NrI6 pic.twitter.com/4pujXq6Cwk

— Clint Goss (@NFLDraftDome) December 16, 2025

Other names considered: Iowa OT Gennings Dunker, Northwestern OT Caleb Tiernan​

Round 3, Pick 79: Florida State DT Darell Jackson, Jr.​

Height: 6’5”​

Weight: 337​

Year: RS Senior​

I want you to close your eyes and picture your perfect nose tackle.

He’s probably a guy with a massive frame, roughly 6’4” to 6’6”, and pushing the scale well over 300 pounds, probably getting closer to 330 to 340. Now, he probably moves really well in a phone booth, but also has the strength to bench-press an interior offensive lineman when necessary. Especially in the run game.

Okay. Now, open your eyes.

The power from Florida State IDL Darrell Jackson Jr has been felt through this entire circuit of All-Star games. From the Shrine Bowl to the Senior Bowl, the combination of power and length he possesses is worth a day-two pick. pic.twitter.com/Xoax8XuAqW

— Russell Brown (@RussNFLDraft) January 31, 2026

Darrell Jackson, Jr., along with the rest of this impressive defensive tackle group, may still be there at 79 because of the lack of pass-rush juice he possesses. But make no mistake, this man is a load to deal with in the middle, and will immediately bring some fire to a Falcons run defense that has been sorely lacking it lately.

Other names considered: Cincinnati DT Dontay Corleone, Iowa State DT Domonique Orange, Texas Tech LB Jacob Rodriguez​

Round 4, Pick 114: Jake Slaughter, C, Florida​

Height: 6’4”​

Weight: 305​

Year: RS Senior​

All of those things that I said about Bill Callahan when it comes to Isaiah World? Go ahead and copy-paste that with Jake Slaughter. With Ryan Neuzil still getting paid through 2026, Slaughter has a chance to develop into the center that Stefanski and company need for the future of this team.

Slaughter is a smart football player who allowed one…one sack in over 800 snaps in 2024 and was a Rimington Trophy finalist in 2025.

Jake Slaughter (6’4 305) Florida

+ Over 2,100 snaps played
+ Allowed just 4 pressures in 2025
+ Stays active and seeks contact
+ Great student-athlete that has multiple academic awards
+ 84.1 pass block grade in 2025
+ 80.2 run blocking grade
+ 2x team captain

– Seven… pic.twitter.com/s5FL4iHXmD

— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) February 3, 2026

Other names considered: LSU LB Harold Perkins, Washington CB Tacario Davis, North Dakota State WR Bryce Lance​

Round 6, Pick 195: Mikail Kamara, EDGE, Indiana​

Height: 6’1”​

Weight: 265​

Year: RS Senior​

It’s everyone’s favorite time: Special teams guys!

Sure, you can squint and tilt and figure out a way for Mikail Kamara to get on the field for your defense; he did lead the Big Ten in quarterback pressures on Indiana’s magical National Championship run last season. But, if you’re a serious franchise, and we’re hoping the Falcons are building to that, you’re looking at Kamara and seeing his explosiveness and straight-line speed, and thinking about what he can offer you in the third phase of the game.

From 0 star recruit to JMU to blocking a punt for 6 in the natty

Mikail Kamara is such a dog
pic.twitter.com/ljNbqlsmvd

— Evan (aka Ebo) (@EBoKnowss) January 20, 2026

Other names considered: Penn State QB Drew Allar, Illinois QB Luke Altmyer, Clemson DT DeMonte Capehart​

Round 7, Pick 231: Ephesians Prysock, CB, Washington​

Height: 6’4”​

Weight: 195​

Year: Senior​

The length that Ephesians Prysock can bring to your CB room is just too much for me to ignore. His arms are so long, his size is a tremendous asset, I don’t see him dropping further than maybe early day-three when all things are said and done.

Someone is going to see his ability in man coverage and fall in love with the thought of potentially developing him into a Great Value Tariq Woolen.

Awesome job by Ephesians Prysock of sticking in Ted Hurst's back pocket and maintaining great positioning at the end of the rep pic.twitter.com/hmXWlSmiLz

— Joe DeLeone (@joedeleone) January 29, 2026

Other names considered: SE Louisiana DT Kaleb Proctor, Texas Tech WR Caleb Douglas​

Source: https://www.thefalcoholic.com/atlan...-bringing-the-beef-isaiah-world-mikail-kamara

 

[Atlanta Falcons]

Falcons 2025 wide receiver review: Ruin and rubble

Dec 29, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Los Angeles Rams cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. (1) and Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney (1) during a play in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Drake London was very good for the Atlanta Falcons in 2025, aside from missing five games. Everything else about the Falcons receiver depth chart was a disaster.

Darnell Mooney got hurt, returned, and was a shell of himself all season. Ray-Ray McCloud produced very little and was clearly angered by the team firing wide receivers coach Ike Hilliard before the team cut him. The team tried to replace production in-house and got a combined 37 receptions for about 400 yards and two touchdowns from everyone else on the roster, with David Sills accounting for 18 of those catches, 191 of those yards, and both scores. I argued all offseason that the Falcons were playing with fire by not upgrading WR4 and beyond, given that McCloud was coming off a career year, but even I never dreamt things would get that bad.

The ruin and rubble of the wide receiver room suggests sweeping changes are in store, especially with a new offensive-minded head coach in the building. Let’s review the position and look at our outlook for 2026.

Drake London​

The gold standard and the player the Falcons have to hold on to in this group. London missed more than one game for the first time in his NFL career, but he was otherwise exactly the caliber of player he’s long been for Atlanta. He flirted with 1,000 yards in just 12 games, averaged a career-high 13.5 yards per reception, and scored seven touchdowns as a matchup nightmare in the slot and generally difficult to defend receiver with underrated, speed, sticky hands, and terrific size.

In just four season, London has rocketed up to 10th on the team’s all-time receiving yards list and 13th in receiving touchdowns despite having Marcus Mariota, Desmond Ridder, Taylor Heinicke, end-stage Kirk Cousins, and a still-improving Michael Penix Jr. as his quarterbacks over that span. So long as he’s healthy and the Falcons have a good gameplan and capable quarterbacking, London should eat, and he’s the obvious WR1 for this team for the foreseeable future.

Darnell Mooney​

This is where things really went awry. If you use a lot of two tight end sets, as the Falcons did at times, you can sort of survive a WR3 conundrum like the one we’ll talk more about soon. If you utilize your running back as a receiving option, as the Falcons definitely did, so much the better. But you can’t really survive only having one useful receiver on the field in today’s NFL, and unfortunately Mooney was not a useful receiver.

Mooney played 15 games, but he should not have. He suffered an injury in July we later learned was a broken collar bone, and then suffered an in-season hamstring injury, never fully getting back on track. The Mooney we saw in 2024 was fast, explosive, and dangerous; the Mooney we saw in 2025 was limited, dropped passes, and never seemed fully on the same page with Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins. His production was more than halved from a year ago despite playing just one fewer game, with just 32 catches for 443 yards and a touchdown on the year. The team’s decision to roll him out there with one significant injury and another one that is inherently limiting looked like desperation and blew up in their faces, as Mooney didn’t really produce at the level they needed him to and the team never seriously explored a replacement.

I don’t particularly blame Mooney, which is not the same as saying he played well, but that 2025 season leaves his future looking cloudy.

Ray-Ray McCloud​

Heavy, heavy criticism for Terry Fontenot and Raheem Morris is justified with McCloud, and for multiple reasons.

• McCloud was largely terrific in 2024, putting up career highs of 62 receptions (23 more than his previous career high) and 686 receiving yards (a career high by 409 yards) as a short-range and middle of the field option. Whenever a player has that kind of absurd outlier production heading into his age 29 season, it’s reasonable to hedge against regression; the Falcons did not.
• The weird firing of Ike Hilliard and the team’s close-lipped handling of that firing clearly angered McCloud; the team’s equally secretive handling of McCloud’s absence and release led to the veteran receiver filling the void with vague but critical social media posts that made the Falcons look bad. We don’t know the whole story and we never will, but the team looked reactive firing Hilliard after a terrible game against the Panthers and jettisoned their WR3 for absolutely nothing.

McCloud then showed up in two games for the Giants, catching one pass for five yards, and currently is unsigned. He’s clearly talented enough to be an asset for a team, but 2024 was something of a lightning in a bottle situation where his fit with Kirk Cousins and Zac Robinson’s offense allowed him to truly thrive in a way he never had before. The Falcons either needed to have a good plan for him in 2025 or have insurance for him, and they did neither.

David Sills​

Over the years, there have been countless fringe receivers we hoped would get a shot, but Sills is the rare option who actually got one. The team kept him around as the nominal WR6/7, but at times in 2025 he functioned as WR2 in this offense.

He has his moments as a blocker and showcased a little wiggle and solid hands in 2025, enough that I think some team is going to be inclined to give him a real shot to be their WR4 in 2026. But the route running, lack of high-end speed, and occasional drops all reminded us that he was stretched as a potential volume option, which is less his fault than Atlanta’s. His 18/191/2 line was, across the board, a career year.

Dylan Drummond​

He had a nice summer working with Easton Stick, and was thrust into a role because of injuries and attrition. His seven receptions for 42 yards were a career-high and he looked capable enough as a short area option, but ideally he’s a practice squad player and emergency call-up.

KhaDarel Hodge​

Besides mysteriously being inactive because he did something the coaching staff didn’t like, Hodge was a useful special teamer but very lightly used as a receiver. If he returns—and he should—he’s best as WR5/6, with big play potential if the team can scheme him open.

Casey Washington​

Expected to be WR4 heading into the year, Washington was either hurt or ineffective all season. He finished with six receptions for 94 yards in his limited looks, but needs to show better this year to have a shot at sticking on the roster as a reserve.

Deven Thompkins​

Like Drummond, Thompskins was pressed into action unexpectedly later in the year and had a couple of nice grabs. He’ll hope for a practice squad spot in 2026.

Outlook: Not good!​

When you have Drake London, you have a top-flight option. Everything beyond London, however, is a complete question mark.

The Falcons may actually choose to effectively re-build the group from scratch. I could see a couple of Chris Blair/Thompkins/Washington/Hodge/Drummond/Nick Nash sticking between the bottom of the roster and the practice squad, but I’m not sure Mooney returns at his hefty cap number. The Falcons may need to acquire a WR2, WR3, and WR4 this year, which puts additional pressure on them to either bring back Kyle Pitts or replace him effectively, given how hard it is to retool a receiver depth chart entirely on the fly.

That means that despite the presence of London and the possibility that Mooney could return healthy and effective in 2026, the receiving corps is a real worry spot for this team. They’ll need to address it in order for this offense to rebound.

Source: https://www.thefalcoholic.com/atlan...w-ruin-and-rubble-drake-london-darnell-mooney

 

[Atlanta Falcons]

James Pearce Jr. arrested, Michael Penix return timeline ft. Tre’Shon Diaz: Falcoholic Live, Ep363

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 30: James Pearce Jr. #27 of the Atlanta Falcons during the game against the New York Jets on November 30, 2023 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Falcons star rookie edge rusher James Pearce Jr. was arrested on serious charges and may miss some or all of the 2026 NFL season and beyond. Kevin Knight is joined by Tre’Shon Diaz to discuss Pearce’s arrest and the chances of him returning to Atlanta, as well as the latest updates on Michael Penix Jr.’s return timeline. Fellow Falcoholics, welcome to another episode of The Falcoholic Live!

Watch the stream below or on YouTube​

You can also listen to all of our video shows in an audio-only podcast format, available on all your favorite podcast platforms or by using the player below. The podcast typically posts a few hours after the live show records.

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You can watch the show here on The Falcoholic, but we recommend watching on YouTube for the best experience—including full 1080p HD video and access to the live Q&A in the chat. You can also access the show using your smart TV or device using the YouTube app for the real big-screen experience!

We hope you enjoy the show! If you have comments, we’d love to hear them. Send them to us on Twitter (@FalcoholicLive), leave them below, or e-mail the show at [email protected].

Thanks for watching!

Source: https://www.thefalcoholic.com/atlan...imeline-ft-treshon-diaz-falcoholic-live-ep363

 

[Atlanta Falcons]

Falcons 2025 offensive line review: A mixed bag of blocking

Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Falcons guard Chris Lindstrom (63) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The offensive line was this team’s unquestioned strength from, say, 2022-2024. Last year, we saw signs of cracks forming in that foundation, and change now feels possible with Bill Callahan replacing Dwayne Ledford.

But even though one piece changes here and one pieces changes there, and injury took out a key starter, this line’s continuity has enabled some pretty great ground games and keep a messy passing attack from going completely off the rails for years now. It will be fascinating to see how the Falcons tackle—pun intended—their line, and whether it involves holding on to what they have or deciding it’s time to forget something new.

Let’s look back at 2025’s stalwarts, its one unexpected starter, and our possible outlook for the group.

Jake Matthews​

He’s an ironman and will go down as an all-timer in franchise history, in the neighborhood of greats like Mike Kenn and Bob Whitfield. His pass protection remains very good, which has kept him on the field week after week, but his run blocking was less effective than it had been in recent years and he was hit with 8 penalties, tied for the third-highest total of his career.

What you’re getting from Matthews at this point in his career is above average pass protection with some struggles with power alongside it, as well as decent-to-pretty good run blocking. That’s a recipe for a very solid starting tackle, and the Falcons will take that as long as he can give it.

Matthew Bergeron​

Next to Matthews is Bergeron, who is slowly but steadily rounding into a fine starter. Pass protection is not his best attribute, but he’s plenty solid in that regard and is a capable run blocking left guard. Critically, he went from 12 penalties in 2024 to just three in 2025, which was a big difference maker with the rest of the line struggling with discipline.

Bergeron is probably never going to be an elite guard, based on three years of results to this point, but he’s a good starter who still is young enough and talented enough to get better. With the Falcons needing to address multiple pieces of this line in the coming years, Bergeron should stick around if he’s not prohibitively expensive.

Ryan Neuzil​

He was the starter I worried about the most heading into the year, but relative to expectations, Neuzil was quite good. His pass pro is not standout, but is not worse than what Drew Dalman was offering in Atlanta, and he was an effective run blocking center who moved well and opened holes. Combined with a lack of the snapping issues that sometimes plagued Dalman, Neuzil’s first full year as a starter went well.

The question is whether the new regime will want a different, bigger player at center moving forward, but Neuzil played well enough to justify keeping him on as the starter for another year. His path from undrafted free agent guard to quality starting center deserves props.

Chris Lindstrom​

While he was named an All-Pro again, this was probably Lindstrom’s worst season since his rookie year. The fact that he still was justifiably honored tells you how good he really is, given that a dip in performance did not make him in any way a lackluster player.

He was typically elite as a run blocking right guard, and he, Neuzil, and Wilkinson were able to make Bijan and Tyler Allgeier’s jobs much easier when running up the gut or to the right. Lindstrom also allowed just one sack and cut his year-over-year penalty total down from eight to six, which was welcome when Matthews and Wilkinson were particularly struggling with penalties.

The problem for Lindstrom is that the one sack total does obscure the extent to which he struggled in pass protection. Pro Football Focus credited him with 35 hurries allowed, the highest single season total of his career by a full 12 and the highest total allowed on the team, ahead of Elijah Wilkinson’s 31. I should note that Wilkinson’s presence next to him could certainly help to explain such a drastic rise, but it’s not the full story. He was still a damn good guard and both Penix and Cousins having trouble with escaping and getting rid of the ball quickly did not help, but we’ll hopefully see him return to his usually steady form in pass protection here in 2026.

Elijah Wilkinson​

It’s not Wilkinson’s fault that he was starting all season, and considering he was the team’s third-string option at right tackle, he played at an admirable level and remained healthy all year. The problem was that while that performance was admirable, it was obviously not great.

Wilkinson was good enough paving the way for Bijan Robinson that the run game continued to purr, even if he’s not exactly Kaleb McGary. The twin problems for Wilkinson were in pass protection, where he had effective stretches but was often overmatched, and discipline. His 12 penalties were a team-high and featured way too many drive-altering false starts and holds.

I give Wilkinson an enormous amount of credit for keeping the job all year and holding up as well as he did, and I’d welcome him back in Atlanta if he doesn’t land a more promising job elsewhere. I just would hope not to see him starting for a full season again.

Kyle Hinton​

He actually had to play quite a bit, logging over 150 snaps as an injury fill-in. Hinton’s pass protection has been pretty solid whenever he’s forced into the lineup, but he’s a significant downgrade from Bergeron and an extremely significant downgrade from Lindstrom in terms of his run blocking. As a reserve who can and has slotted in at both guard spots and has held up well, Hinton’s welcome to stay, but I’m not sure Kevin Stefanski and Bill Callahan are going to stand pat on depth.

Jovaughn Gwyn​

He played all of 11 snaps, but for the first time in his career with the Falcons, those 11 snaps looked pretty good! Given that Ledford was his major champion, there’s no guarantee that Gwyn will be back, but training to play both center and guard and having multiple years in Atlanta should ensure he has a landing spot.

Outlook: Solid but uncertain​

I don’t think anyone besides Matthew Bergeron and Chris Lindstrom is a lock to be here in 2026, even though the chances they simply run it back are well above zero. There’s enough talent and continuity here if McGary returns to full health to talk yourself into this starting five again, especially with Callahan coming aboard to ensure the coaching remains quite good and given the team’s laundry list of other needs.

But nobody should be surprised if changes are coming. The Falcons can cut McGary and get nearly $15 million back this year and $16.5 million in 2027, even though it comes with $16.4 in dead money in 2026. If they want to supplant Neuzil as the starter and use him as an interior super substitute, his contract isn’t prohibitive enough to stop them from doing so. Matthews is a trickier thing, Lindstrom definitely won’t be cut, and Bergeron is on a rookie deal, so the two most likely changes will come at right tackle and center, if indeed any do.

If changes do not come for the starters, expect the team to shake up their depth and add players Callahan likes there. I wouldn’t expect Storm Norton to necessarily return coming off his injury, and Jovaughn Gwyn and Kyle Hinton were favorites of Dwayne Ledford, who will land elsewhere.

With a pair of aging tackles, a new coaching staff and front office, and contract decisions looming for Neuzil and Lindstrom, change is inevitable, even if it doesn’t happen all at once.

Source: https://www.thefalcoholic.com/atlan...-of-blocking-chris-lindstrom-elijah-wilkinson

 

[Atlanta Falcons]

Falcons mock draft 2026: New GM, new approach

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 1: Wide receiver Zachariah Branch #1 of the Georgia Bulldogs runs the ball against the Ole Miss Rebels during first half of the College Football Playoff Quarter Final Game at Caesars Superdome on January 1, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by CFP/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The 2025 season has officially concluded, with the Seattle Seahawks thoroughly dominating the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl. You love to see it. Other things have also happened in recent weeks, like the Falcons hiring Ian Cunningham as their next general manager and the team continuing to fill out the rest of the coaching staff.

The Senior Bowl is also behind us, and I’ve gotten an up close look at over 100 of the top prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft class. That means it’s high time for another full Falcons mock draft. And with a new GM comes a new approach.

Kevin Knight takes a look at how Cunningham’s influence might affect Atlanta’s draft strategy, taking you through a fresh 2026 mock draft complete with updates from the Senior Bowl.

Before we jump in to the mock, let’s take a look at the Falcons’ current haul of draft picks.

What are the Falcons current draft picks?​

• Round 2, Pick 48
• Round 3, Pick 79
• Round 4, Pick 114
• Round 6, Pick 195
• Round 7, Pick 231

This is the written version, but you can also find the mock draft in two alternate forms as well. On our YouTube channel:

The mock is also available on all your favorite podcast platforms! You can listen to it directly here:

TRADE — Round 2, Pick 63: WR Zachariah Branch, Georgia

The Falcons trade pick 48 to the Patriots for picks 63 (2nd), 95 (3rd), and 131 (4th).

Ian Cunningham is calling the shots now, and the Falcons open their first draft with a massive change in approach. The Patriots come calling in pursuit of a falling offensive tackle they love, offering an extra (late) Day 2 pick and late fourth rounder. Atlanta needs the picks badly, making a trade down this large a real possibility on draft day.

Now working from the back of the second round, the Falcons take a shot on an intriguing wide receiver prospect who I’m sure many of you will be familiar with: Georgia’s Zachariah Branch. Branch is small in stature (5’10, 180) but brings a lot of what Atlanta needs to the table. He’s a dynamic athlete and YAC demon, capable of making big plays in space and in the short area of the field. Branch also has the long speed to threaten defenses deep and can help take some of the attention away from Drake London. Branch is a great separator and is physical despite his size limitations, posting an elite 62.5% contested catch rate and a drop rate of just 2.4%.

He still needs a lot of work on refining and expanding his route tree, and he’s a slot-only player at this stage of his career. Still, Branch is an electric playmaker who also offers return ability that the Falcons could desperately use. Here at end of the second round, that’s a skillset worth taking.

Round 3, Pick 79: CB Devin Moore, Florida

The Falcons got by at cornerback in 2025 despite a number of injuries and a bit of regression from veteran Mike Hughes. A.J. Terrell turned in a strong season and the slot was capably manned by rookie Billy Bowman (until his injury) and Dee Alford, who is a pending free agent. Given Bowman’s return timeline keeping him out into the season, the team is likely to re-sign Alford. Ideally the team can eventually upgrade from Hughes across from Terrell, and this pick is taking a long-term shot at that.

Florida’s Devin Moore is a developmental size/speed prospect who actually put some pretty good film out there in his first year as a full-time starter in 2025. Standing at an imposing 6’3, 200, Moore absolutely looks the part of a prototypical outside corner. If the rumors that he also runs in the 4.3s are true, he’s likely to elevate his draft stock even beyond this pick. But as it stands, Moore is a strong run defender who has taken significant steps in both man and zone coverage in a short period of time. He’s still fairly raw and would be best served as a depth piece to start his career, but Moore offers tantalizing upside as a future CB2 across from Terrell.

Round 3, Pick 95: LB Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech

Pick received from Patriots.

The Falcons have a major free agency decision to make with Kaden Elliss, but at this point I’d wager on him returning on another multi-year deal. Divine Deablo was outstanding in 2025 and became the backbone of the defense. So in terms of starters, Atlanta could be in good shape. The depth, however, was disastrous last season. JD Bertrand was unplayable, and while the other veterans were better, it was a serious drop-off.

Texas Tech’s Jacob Rodriguez was one of the top linebackers in college football last season. His instincts jump off the tape, and he’s one of the most technically sound players in both run defense and coverage that you’ll ever see. He’s a turnover machine with a nose for the football, and he looks like a Day 1 NFL starter. The catch is that he’s a little on the small side (6’1, 235) and there are questions about his athleticism and how he’ll hold up in the NFL. At the Senior Bowl, I thought he looked just fine and more than held his own in all phases. He might not be the same elite player in the NFL, but I think instincts at linebacker are king. Rodriguez may lack ceiling, but I think he looks like a rock solid 10 year starter in the middle of a defense.

Round 4, Pick 114: DB Bud Clark, TCU

With the Falcons missing Billy Bowman for at least the start of the season and Dee Alford’s status unclear, there could be a need for a starting nickel early in the season. To backup Bowman, I’m looking at another player with a very similar background and style: TCU’s Bud Clark. Clark also spent the majority of his college career at safety, but did take quite a few snaps in the slot over the past three seasons.

He’s a smaller safety at 6’1, 190, but Clark was a tenacious run defender. His 2025 didn’t quite live up to his elite 2024 season, but he’s still had two very strong years as a full-time starter. Clark offers the safety/nickel versatility that the Falcons covet from their defensive backs and would give Atlanta a young reserve with upside at multiple spots in the secondary. He was outstanding at the Senior Bowl as both a safety and corner, taking 1-on-1 reps against receivers, running backs, and tight ends. I like Clark’s upside as a potential future starter who can also provide valuable depth right away.

Round 4, Pick 131: OT Isaiah World, Oregon

Pick received from Patriots.

We know the Falcons days of having Jake Matthews and Kaleb McGary as their bookend tackles are approaching their end. McGary is returning off a season-ending injury, and Matthews has begun to decline. This isn’t a problem that can be fixed in one offseason, and the team would be wise to start trying to unearth a developmental starter right away. With Bill Callahan coaching the offensive line, I feel a lot more comfortable making a pick like this. Once thought of as a potential top tackle prospect, Oregon’s Isaiah World failed to take a step forward in 2025 and now finds himself squarely in the early-Day 3 range.

World certainly looks the part at an imposing 6’8, 320. As the old scouting adage goes, “you can’t teach size”. World has the physical traits and strength of an elite NFL offensive tackle, but the tape doesn’t match. His issues are many, as World doesn’t effectively use his size and has significant technical issues in pass protection. What he can do well right now is run block, particularly in power concepts. Building out his skillset as a zone blocker and in pass protection will be critical to his development, but this is exactly the type of prospect Callahan covets. At this stage of the draft, World is worth taking a shot on.

Round 6, Pick 195: DT Zxavian Harris, Ole Miss

We’re going to stick with the theme of massive players here, switching sides to the defensive line. The Falcons need a nose tackle for their front, and ideally, the wouldn’t have to spend a lot of money or draft assets to get one. Thankfully, this draft class is absolutely loaded with quality nose tackles, and someone is bound to fall into late Day 3. Ole Miss’ Zxavian Harris falls in the scenario, and he offers the Falcons exactly what they need.

When I say massive, I mean it. Harris is listed at 6’8, 330 and looks every bit of it. Unlike shorter nose tackles, Harris’ frame is a bit more filled out and leaner at that weight. Leverage will be more of an issue for him, but he’s also got much better length than you typically see. At any rate, Harris is a very effective run stuffer, posting an elite 8.1% run stop rate in his 2025 season. While he’s not a dominant pass rusher, he can push the pocket and get cleanup sacks thanks to his tremendous tackle radius: Harris notched 3 sacks, 3 hits, and 18 hurries this season. Given Atlanta’s emphasis on size and length up front, Harris seems like a perfect fit.

Round 7, Pick 231: RB Kaelon Black, Indiana

We all know Tyler Allgeier is very likely to walk in free agency, as he deserves a shot to be a starter—or at the very least, a lead back in a committee. The Falcons don’t have much else at running back, mainly because Bijan Robinson is such a dominant force in the room. Still, they’d be wise to continue to invest resources in the room to continue to build out their talent base in case injuries should strike. UDFA Nathan Carter looked intriguing, but there’s room for more.

Indiana’s Kaelon Black impressed me at the Senior Bowl, looking like a reliable running back with good vision and solid athleticism. He didn’t get much work as a receiver, but had a few nice reps there in Mobile. Notably, Black was a versatile runner and is used to a mix of zone and gap concepts. That should fit in nicely in Atlanta’s new more multiple run scheme, and his production in 2025 (1034 yards, 5.6 YPC, 10 TDs) show that he can carry the load if needed. I think the Falcons would be wise to secure Black at the end of the draft instead of fighting for his services as a UDFA.

What do you think about this potential draft class for the Falcons? Leave your draft takes in the comments below!

Source: https://www.thefalcoholic.com/atlan...0/falcons-mock-draft-2026-new-gm-new-approach

 

[Atlanta Falcons]

ESPN predicts Atlanta Falcons win NFC South, Bijan Robinson wins MVP

We aren’t even a full week removed from the Seattle Seahawks putting an exclamation point on a dominating Super Bowl win against the New England Patriots. I think they’re still cleaning some of the debris off the parade route.

For ESPN’s NFL experts, Super Bowl LX was only the end of another chapter in the book that is the NFL. Immediately, 11 experts, from Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano to Aaron Schatz and Benjamin Solak, took their shots at predicting some of the biggest stories of the 2026 NFL season.

From the NFL MVP to who’s going to hoist the Lombardi next season, ESPN tasked these poor souls to put down some insanely-too-early hot takes in writing, and the results did not disappoint. The resurgence of the Chiefs dynasty, the Jordan Love ascension to MVP, and so much more, it is an entertaining read for anyone looking to stave off the inescapable dread of “oh no, football is actually over until next August.”

In this article, the Atlanta Falcons make two separate cameos, and, surprisingly, both paint a rosy picture of the Falcons’ future.

Jeremy Fowler names Bijan Robinson 2026 NFL MVP​

Maybe Raheem Morris was right in saying that Robinson is the league’s best player. He’s truly breathtaking, and another season of 2,000-plus total yards will give voters something to think about — especially if Atlanta makes a playoff push. Robinson should prove impactful in Kevin Stefanski’s wide-zone system.

Everybody knew that Bijan Robinson was going to be special, however, there is no such thing as a perfect prospect. A few questions surrounded Bijan as he came into the league in 2023.

There were questions about how Bijan Robinson would hold up consistently in pass protection.

Bijan Robinson is literally another Olineman in pass protection pic.twitter.com/RaktR9gTd4

— Film Watchers (@Filmwatchers1) October 14, 2025

Answered that.

What about his unique running style? There’s no way he does what he did to college kids to grown men, with kids, who rely on this game to feed their families.

Bijan Robinson is an alien

– 348 Touches
– 2,255 Yards
– 11 TD’s

With 136 Total Yards next Sunday, Bijan Robinson will rank 2nd in NFL history

Bijan’s averaging 140.9 YPG..

His durability is as good as it gets.. he’s NEVER missed a single game in his career (51 games).. pic.twitter.com/wR2cip1Wu4

— Austin Abbott (@AustinAbbott) December 31, 2025

Well…he isn’t a home-run threat in the NFL…

Bijan Robinson has 2,026 Yards with multiple games remaining this season

He’s playing out of his mind and I just feel like it’s not appreciated enough man

Only 5 RB’s in NFL History have cleared 2,300+ Rushing and Receiving Yards..

Bijan’s on the brink of joining elite company pic.twitter.com/m0Pd9DDpix

— Austin Abbott (@AustinAbbott) December 27, 2025

Okay, I’m out.

In 2025, Robinson became only the 2nd player in NFL history to gain 800 yards in the air and 1400 yards on the ground (Steven Jackson – 2006).

Robinson is only the 13th player in NFL history to gain 2275+ yards from scrimmage; only he, Marshall Faulk, and Barry Sanders were able to accomplish the feat in fewer than 370 touches.

With his 820 receiving yards this season, he’s broken the single-season record for most receiving yards by a running back.

Bijan Robinson has grown to become the ultimate weapon coming out of the backfield. Kevin Stefanski is probably in the offices, doing everything in his power to weaponize Bijan Robinson’s unique agility, size, and breakaway speed to maximize Robinson’s and the Atlanta offense’s fullest potential.

Similarly to how he walked into Cleveland and helped lead Nick Chubb to three-straight 1000-yard seasons, including a 1,525-yard 2022 season that earned Chubb a 2nd-Team All-Pro.

Atlanta Falcons snag the NFC South crown, according to Benjamin Solak​

The Falcons will win the NFC South, as Kevin Stefanski immediately steps in as a quality head coach with a roster that just needs competent coaching and quarterback help. But Stefanski can scheme an offense around a quarterback well, and he pushes the Falcons to 10 wins (which is all it would take to win the South, anyway).

With the hiring of Stefanski, it does seem that the Falcons jumped to the head of the line when it comes to quality of head coach. Yes, he’s a two-time Coach of the Year, but more than that, he lifted the floor of the Browns’ dismal quarterback situation, even after the acquisition of Deshaun Watson.

It was only when the quarterback play got to a place where it was virtually unplayable in 2024 and 2025 that the offense completely bottomed out, and a reset was needed for both parties.

The NFC South has recently been run by a Todd Bowles-Bucs team that had its own flaws throughout the roster, including a defense lacking top-end talent. The Carolina Panthers took the mantle for the first time since Cam Newton was dabbing in an end zone near you, and the Saints…anyway.

Stop me if you’ve heard this before: If the Falcons can just live up to the talent that is on the roster, they should be able to win this division with ease. The bet that Arthur Blank and Matt Ryan are making is that the biggest hindrance to them winning that division was the coaching job of Raheem Morris.

Source: https://www.thefalcoholic.com/atlan...falcons-win-nfc-south-bijan-robinson-wins-mvp

 

[Atlanta Falcons]

Falcons free agents 2026: Decision time on Kyle Pitts, Kaden Elliss

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 23 : Kyle Pitts Sr. #8 of the Atlanta Falcons goes up for the ball during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on November 23, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images) | Getty Images

With the Super Bowl in the rearview and the new league year just a few short weeks away, it’s time to turn the page and start thinking about the Falcons’ 2026 season and what needs to happen this offseason to field a competitive team in September.

James Pearce Jr’s arrest may change the calculations on the team’s needs this offseason, and the list of pending free agents opens up some big questions the team needs to answer while building the 2026 roster. The Falcons also have limited draft capital to work with this year, which complicates things a bit too.

The Falcons are projected to have about $27.7 million in cap space to work with his offseason based on the top-51 calculation.

Here’s the full list of the Falcons’ pending free agents in 2026.

Falcons pending free agents 2026​

• David Onyemata, DL
• Leonard Floyd, EDGE
• Kyle Pitts, TE
• Kaden Elliss, ILB
• Bradley Pinion, P
• Arnold Ebikete, EDGE
• Troy Andersen, ILB
• Dee Alford, DB
• Feleipe Franks, TE
• Elijah Wilkinson, OL
• DeAngelo Malone, LB
• Ronnie Harrison, S/LB
• Easton Stick, QB
• Khalid Kareem, EDGE
• Zane Gonzalez, K
• Kentavius Street, DL
• Josh Woods, ILB
• Teagan Quitoriano, TE
• Tyler Allgeier, RB

Which players need to be the top priority to retain, and which players can the Falcons let walk? Put yourself in Matt Ryan’s shoes and let us know in the comments what you’d do with this group.

Source: https://www.thefalcoholic.com/atlan...s-david-onyemata-leonard-floyd-tyler-allgeier

 

[Atlanta Falcons]

Browns hire Falcons defensive pass game coordinator Mike Rutenberg as DC

Oct 20, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Jets linebackers coach Mike Rutenberg gestures on the sidelines against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Jeff Ulbrich and most of the defensive staff are back, but not everyone’s staying. The Cleveland Browns are hiring Mike Rutenberg, Atlanta’s 2025 defensive passing game coordinator, as their defensive coordinator.

Rutenberg was a key piece of Ulbrich’s staff and had spent each of the past five seasons working with him, both as the linebackers coach with the Jets (2021-2024) while Ulbrich was the defensive coordinator and in Atlanta. Rutenberg helped put together game plans that stymied opposing passing attacks, especially early in the season, and worked with a greatly improved secondary in 2025.

The Browns are hiring Mike Rutenberg as their defensive coordinator, sources tell The Insiders.

A high-energy assistant, Rutenberg has trained under Robert Saleh and Jeff Ulbrich and most recently was the Falcons’ defensive pass game coordinator. pic.twitter.com/Imi8u4ghkV

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 16, 2026

Jeff Ulbrich was clearly bracing to lose Rutenberg. The Falcons previously blocked secondary coach Justin Hood from interviewing with the 49ers, and I’d have to think he’s the strongest in-house candidate for the role. The team’s pass defense was 13th in yardage allowed despite injuries to key players like Mike Hughes, Billy Bowman Jr., and Divine Deablo, meaning they’ll need to invest in additional talent and effectively replace Rutenberg to avoid any pullback.

“He does an amazing job. He’s one of the best teachers in this game. He understands the back end at a PhD-plus level. He’s a great teacher of it,” Ulbrich said, noting that while he didn’t want to lose Rutenberg, the assistant would likely end up as a coordinator someday.

Now Rutenberg will fill big shoes in Cleveland, where he’s taking over for departing defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. The Browns defense was definitely the better side of the ball in 2025, but they elected to hire Todd Monken instead of Schwartz, leading him to depart. Rutenberg is a well-regarded assistant in a first-time role with a franchise that’s tough to work for, so we’ll wish him well and hope he can keep the good times going on defense.

Source: https://www.thefalcoholic.com/atlan...ve-pass-game-coordinator-mike-rutenberg-as-dc

 

[Atlanta Falcons]

Falcons 2025 linebacker review: Two X factors and a couple of Joes

Nov 23, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Atlanta Falcons linebacker Divine Deablo (0) breaks up the pass to New Orleans Saints running back Devin Neal (24) during the second half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images | Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

Divine Deablo and Kaden Elliss were as good as advertised, but their running mates got left in the dust.

The Atlanta Falcons made a big bet when they prioritized Deablo at the beginning of the 2025 free agency window and it paid off, but the parlay they had going on the entire room fell short. The Swiss Army Knife known as Kaden Elliss continued to show his value to the defense and shined when he wasn’t stretched too thin.

The 2025 room was almost a perfect reflection of Fontenot’s pros and cons as a GM. His veteran FA addition was solid, but the invested draft pick to shore up the holes became one. Ian Cunningham is going to have to face similar challenges when looking at the room this offseason, and hopefully, he’ll have more well-rounded solutions.

Divine Deablo​

The Falcons have been desperately trying to find a linebacker like Divine Deablo since the departure of Deion Jones. He’s an imposing figure who makes teammates look like everyday people, and that carried over to the gridiron. Deablo erased the middle of the field, and his safety background made him a matchup nightmare for tight ends and slots. He was targeted only 34 times and didn’t give up a single receiving touchdown.

I was worried about how he would perform in the run, but those worries were quickly washed away after just a few weeks of play. Deablo had the lowest missed tackle rate in the room (8.2%), which was the 24th-best rate in the league among qualifying linebackers per PFF. It’s a testament to how hard he’s worked on his game and to how well this coaching staff has helped him get to where he is now. His only weakness? Health. Deablo has missed time every year outside of his rookie season with an injury. The Falcons were 8-5 when Deablo suited up and 0-4 without him.

You don't see many LBs pull this off, but Devine Deablo is going to execute a force push on 65 to perfection. He'll be getting a call from the council soon. pic.twitter.com/IGPOdjEYSD

— Tre’Shon (@tre3shon) September 15, 2025

Not everything he did will show up on the stat sheet, but the impact of his loss was felt almost immediately. The Falcons found themselves a real diamond in the rough, and an incoming extension this offseason wouldn’t surprise me in the slightest.

Kaden Elliss​

With Deablo handling most of the traditional linebacker duties, Kaden Elliss was able to do what he does best: terrorize the opposing offense from every alignment imaginable. Elliss stuffed the stat sheet; he led the team in tackles (79), finished 3rd in pressures (30), which was second most among all linebackers in the league, had the second most QB hits on the team (9), and finished with the fourth most sacks (4) on the franchise record-setting defense.

The numbers only tell part of the story; a lot of his pressures resulted in production for others. This may have been a pass rush by committee, but the committee doesn’t function the same without him. Elliss created opportunities for others, not just himself, and would have many sack assists if that metric existed. His numbers alone don’t do his season justice.

Elliss isn’t perfect. He led the team in missed tackles (14) and was tied for the most surrendered receiving touchdowns (4). However, it should be noted that two of those touchdowns came when Deablo was out, and Elliss was asked to play like a traditional linebacker more often. When allowed to play his game, Elliss is one of the most disruptive players in football, and it’s hard to imagine the team letting him walk this offseason.

UFA Kaden Elliss (55)

-alignment & skillset versatility

-rush capable inside & outside

-4th most pass rush snaps for LBs (19.4% win rate, 2nd of 62 qualifying)

-good eyes + processing vs run & pass

-good spatial awareness in coverage

-plays violentpic.twitter.com/wIYmFfAR4s https://t.co/gO4HFw5Gwl

— Anthony Cover 1 (@Pro__Ant) February 6, 2026

JD Bertrand​

Playing linebacker at this level is hard. There was a lot of hope for Bertrand coming into the season, but a rough preseason turned into an even rougher regular season. The speed of the game proved to be too much for the fifth round pick, and his future in this league is now in doubt.

Bertrand doesn’t possess any elite traits, and this showed up when he did manage to be in a spot to make a play, he was often overpowered or just too slow to finish. He’s a player who has to win with his mind and react a step quicker than someone with more speed and agility to succeed. He was able to do this a handful of times, but the bad plays overshadowed his positive efforts. He would end up grading out as the worst LB on the team and 26th worst in the league.

Is it over for Bertrand? That’s hard to say when he plays a position that relies so much on processing ability. If Bertrand can adjust to the speed of the game, then it’s reasonable to believe that he can be in position more often. He would then need to prove he can finish those opportunities. The Falcons shouldn’t risk their future on that development taking place, but throwing him by the wayside would be a tad rash.

Ronnie Harrison​

The late camp addition proved to be a well-timed signing. Harrison would end up supplanting Bertrand as the third linebacker in rotation, and it was because he could handle the speed of the game. He also provided some juice in pressure packages, racking up seven pressures and two sacks. For the cost of his services (1.2 M), Harrison was a bargain.

Ronnie Harrison triggers immediately and stuns the fullback in the hole. Jalon Walker works through the trash to clean up with Kaden Elliss. pic.twitter.com/pmNrKwUjxe

— Tre’Shon (@tre3shon) November 3, 2025

However, there were still faults with his game. Harrison had the highest missed tackle rate (20.6%) in the Falcons linebacker room. His slimmer stature also showed up in the run game, where he struggled taking on linemen. It’s unlikely he’s poised for a larger role in the future, but he’s proved that he can be a serviceable option in relief and has earned a shot at coming back in 2026.

Josh Woods​

Woods does not care about his physical well-being, and we respect the hell out of that. Woods shone in the preseason but didn’t see much action on defense once the regular season kicked off. He ended up getting injured after getting an opportunity, but he was mainly here for special teams more than anything. He’s exactly what you would expect from the guy at the end of the room.

2026 Outlook​

Three out of five players (Elliss, Woods, and Harrison) will be free agents heading into the offseason. The Falcons would obviously like to prioritize Elliss, but his market will be strong, and other teams will likely be able to offer him more money than the Falcons can at this time. Losing Elliss would throw a wrench into the operation and force the Falcons to invest even more resources in the room. If he stays, upgrading this position group via the draft or lower-tier free-agent signings becomes feasible.

This will be one of the first major challenges for new GM Ian Cunningham, who has expressed a desire to build through the draft. Even if Elliss returns, the Falcons need to have the pipeline ready since he’ll now be on the other side of 30. The third rotational spot is where the room can make the most significant gains, but the new GM will need to take a savvy approach with his limited resources.

If the Falcons can shore up this position group, the defense will be in a good spot to improve on their 2025 campaign. If not, this could become a group that holds them back from taking that next step.

Source: https://www.thefalcoholic.com/atlan...d-a-couple-of-joes-kaden-elliss-divine-deablo

 

[Atlanta Falcons]

NFL franchise tag: Will the Falcons tag Kyle Pitts?

Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. (8) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Atlanta Falcons rarely use the franchise tag, but this is a new front office and a new era. It’s also the first time in recent memory that a young player is about to hit free agency that would seem to merit the tag.

I’m referring, of course, to Kyle Pitts. Fresh off career highs in receptions and touchdowns and heading into his age 26 season, Pitts will be a hot commodity in free agency after a breakout campaign and his third straight season playing all 17 games. While the ideal outcome for the Falcons would be a long-term deal if they’re looking to keep him around, the one-year tag price just north of $16 million is not exorbitant for a player who would essentially be the team’s de facto #2 receiver.

This is relevant because the franchise tag window opened today, meaning the Falcons can tag Pitts any time between now and March 3 if they’d like to. There is ample reason to believe they will.

Why?

• Kevin Stefanski’s offense prizes tight ends. From 2025 standout rookie Harold Fannin to David Njoku to Harrison Bryant to Austin Hooper, the Browns offense leaned heavily on tight ends during Stefanski’s tenure. In 2025, Fannin was the team’s top target and Njoku was third on the team in targets; in 2024 Njoku and Jordan Akins were third and fourth in that metric. While Drake London should be a target monster in Atlanta under Stefanski, he wants to have multiple pass catching tight ends to utilize, which means he’s not going to be keen to dump Pitts and have to go get two between free agency and the draft.
• Pitts is rounding into form. I know that some skepticism is going to linger for Pitts until he strings together two strong seasons in a row. After his rookie season, an injury robbed him of seven games in 2022, and a bounceback campaign in 2023 was followed by a bit of a pullback in production in 2024. But we saw Pitts put together his most complete season in 2025, and he’s just 25 years old today despite being in the league for five seasons. There’s every reason to believe that Pitts can, with volume and decent quarterbacking, be an annual threat for north of 80 catches and 800 yards; if Stefanski makes him a focal point of the offense his production could soar much higher than that.
• The state of the roster suggests he needs to be kept. The Falcons may not bring back Darnell Mooney, who is slated to be fairly expensive and is coming off a lost season. They don’t currently have another productive pass-catching tight end on the roster, and the possibility of losing Tyler Allgeier means they need to get Bijan Robinson an effective backup. There are a fair number of offensive holes to plug, in other words, in a solid-but-not-spectacular draft and free agent class. Are you going to get a more productive player or players for $16 million than Pitts? I suspect the Falcons believe they will not, and that having Bijan, London, and Pitts gives them a foundation Stefanski and company can work with. The only other player who might be interesting currently under contract is second-year option Joshua Simon, who was hyper-productive in college.
• The Falcons freed up the money. The impending Kirk Cousins release will give the Falcons a little more cash to work with, but the restructure on his deal did that in the here and now. That was essential for them to spend early on in free agency, but it’s also essential if you’re looking to lock up Pitts before free agency opens. The Falcons simply didn’t have the money to do so before, and they’ve ensured they have the option, something I have to think was intentional.

New general manager Ian Cunningham was part of the Chicago Bears front office that used the franchise tag on Jaylon Johnson in 2024 as a way to lock down his rights while they worked out a new long-term deal, and I expect the Falcons to seriously consider doing the same thing with Pitts. While Pitts has few attachments to the new regime outside of tight ends coach Kevin Koger, Stefanski’s going to want to work with him, he’s familiar with the roster, the city, and the franchise, and there’s ample reason to believe he’ll be a featured part of the offense if he stays in Atlanta. The fact that the Falcons have the ability in their toolbox to ensure he doesn’t hit free agency and get an effectively unmatchable offer from, say, the Chiefs makes it logical to believe they’ll use it.

For many years, I simply let the franchise tag window pass without real comment because we knew the Falcons would not seriously consider utilizing it. This year, I think there’s a real chance the Falcons will use it on Pitts, and if so, we should know sooner than later.

Source: https://www.thefalcoholic.com/atlan...franchise-tag-will-the-falcons-tag-kyle-pitts

 

[Atlanta Falcons]

Falcons hire Shawn Heinlen as their director of college scouting

Oct 13, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Atlanta Falcons helmet during the second half against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

When the Falcons promoted longtime scout and executive Tokunbo Abanikanda to director of scouting, it left a vacancy in the front office for the director of college scouting role. We just had to wait to see whether the Falcons filled that position with an internal promotion or an external hire, and now we have our answer.

The team announced Wednesday that they’re hiring Shawn Heinlen, a former Cleveland Browns Southwest area scout from 2022 to 2025, as their new director of college scouting. Heinlen, who spent 16 years with the Bills in scouting and five years with the Eagles as a Southwest scout, has ties to both Ian Cunningham from his time in Philadelphia and Kevin Stefanski from his stint in Cleveland. It’s safe to say he was highly regarded by both, given that he’s getting a pretty significant promotion to come to Atlanta.

I don’t know exactly how NFL teams divvy up their regions or what falls under Southwest for each team, but it’s fair to say Texas to the California border likely qualifies for most teams. While Heinlen was with the Eagles, they drafted several players Heinlen likely would have been responsible for scouting, ranging from useful players like tackle Matt Pryor and defensive back Zech McPherson to less sterling choices like wide receiver Jaelen Reagor and linebacker Davion Taylor. While with the Browns, quarterback Shedeur Sanders and defensive linemen Siaki Ika and Perrion Winfrey would have fallen under his purview.

There’s nothing overly inspiring there, but that does not include undrafted free agents and does not fully account for Heinlen’s acumen; there’s nothing saying that he didn’t recommend quality selections that were ultimately not made, especially in a chaotic front office like Cleveland’s.

In Atlanta, Heinlein will be tasked with ensuring the Falcons nail their evaluations and come away with quality draft classes and UDFA hauls going forward as they seek to improve the talent level on the roster and enhance their somewhat shaky depth. Cunningham has gone on record saying he loves having as many picks as possible, so Heinlein and the team’s scouts will hopefully be able to offer up more compelling options to take swings on. The fact that he knows both Cunningham and Stefanski and they both clearly trust him—you don’t make the jump from area scout to college scouting director otherwise—should help him ensure he’s bringing in players the front office is comfortable with and the coaching staff will value. The Falcons, it goes without saying, need to do a better job of that, both to build on the momentum of last year’s strong class and to correct the whiffs of prior years under Terry Fontenot’s front office.

Welcome Heinlein to Atlanta, and we’ll see how he fares in his new role.

Source: https://www.thefalcoholic.com/atlan...heinlen-as-their-director-of-college-scouting

 

[Atlanta Falcons]

What are the Falcons biggest offseason priorities? ft. Tre’Shon Diaz: Falcoholic Live, Ep364

TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 11: Kyle Pitts #8 of the Atlanta Falcons runs with the ball during the second quarter of the NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on December 11, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images) | Getty Images

We’re approaching the start of free agency, and the Falcons have many looming questions to address. Kevin Knight is joined by Tre’Shon Diaz to discuss Atlanta’s biggest offseason priorities, including what to do with Kyle Pitts, the top needs in free agency, and how to navigate the salary cap. Fellow Falcoholics, welcome to another episode of The Falcoholic Live!

Watch the stream below or on YouTube​

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You can watch the show here on The Falcoholic, but we recommend watching on YouTube for the best experience—including full 1080p HD video and access to the live Q&A in the chat. You can also access the show using your smart TV or device using the YouTube app for the real big-screen experience!

We hope you enjoy the show! If you have comments, we’d love to hear them. Send them to us on Twitter (@FalcoholicLive), leave them below, or e-mail the show at [email protected].

Thanks for watching!

Source: https://www.thefalcoholic.com/atlan...orities-ft-treshon-diaz-falcoholic-live-ep364

 

[Atlanta Falcons]

ESPN names Falcons as best fit for Broncos DL John Franklin-Myers

Dec 25, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Denver Broncos defensive end John Franklin-Myers (98) takes the field prior to a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images | Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

As we gear up for free agency, it’s only right to start looking at players who might be good fits for our favorite team. We did that in late January when the Falcons first hired Kevin Stefanski, but hadn’t gone back and looked at impending free agents from the Jets who might be interested in reuniting with Jeff Ulbrich.

ESPN did that for us with one name, at least. Matt Bowen pulled together a list of 50 free agent players who would be ideal fits for teams, and the Falcons came up twice. The first was with Kyle Pitts—obvious but sensible—and the second is potential ex-Bronco John Franklin-Myers.

To quote Bowen:

Under coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, Franklin-Myers could be used as a versatile defender, playing as a nose or 5-technique in the base fronts while providing an interior rush out of sub-package personnel. He had 7.5 sacks and 23 pressures with the Broncos last season.

Myers spent 2021-2023 with Ulbrich in New York before joining the Broncos in 2024, and has had a quality career. The 288 pound defensive lineman is fresh off back-to-back seven sack seasons and posted five sack seasons twice with Ulbrich as his defensive coordinator. The Falcons could use more veteran talent along a young, talented front, and Franklin-Myers makes a ton of sense heading into his age 30 season.

What’s not to like? Franklin-Myers is coming off a season where he was penalized seven times, but that’s a significant outlier in his career. His missed tackle rate is a bit high for a guy playing close to the line of scrimmage and has been throughout his career, but his pass rush ability and power against the run balance that out pretty nicely in my estimation. Assuming the price is right, adding Franklin-Myers to a group featuring Ruke Orhorhorho, Brandon Dorlus (when he returns from injury), Zach Harrison, and restricted free agent LaCale London would be a smart move for a team seeking improvement up front.

This is a logical fit as promised by Bowen, in other words, and I’d be happy to see it happen.

Source: https://www.thefalcoholic.com/atlan...s-best-fit-for-broncos-dl-john-franklin-myers

 

[Atlanta Falcons]

Can Kevin Stefanski get the Falcons’ QB timeline right?

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 16: Michael Penix Jr. #9 of the Atlanta Falcons looks on prior to the NFL 2025 game between the Carolina Panthers and the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Getty Images) | Getty Images

A major reason behind the failures of previous Atlanta Falcons coaching staffs was their inability to get the team on the right quarterback timeline.

Arthur Smith went into a critical make-or-break third season in 2023 with a first-year starter in Desmond Ridder. Raheem Morris did the same in 2025 with Michael Penix after trotting out Kirk Cousins in his first season. If new Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski wants to avoid a similar fate, it’ll likely require getting the quarterback timeline correct.

The Falcons’ challenge will be their need to evaluate Penix for another year to see whether he’s their long-term answer at quarterback. Complications arise since Penix is coming off another season-ending knee injury, which makes it unlikely that he’ll hit the ground running whenever he gets back on the field. The injury means he’ll spend his offseason rehabbing rather than taking the critical reps he needs in practice to improve. It’s similar to what happened with Cousins in 2024, except Penix has a decade less of NFL experience to fall back on.

2027 is set to be a pivotal year for Penix​

That pushes the Falcons to give Penix two years of evaluation rather than one. Similar to how Cousins looked better a second year removed from his 2023 Achilles tear, Penix should look much better in 2027 in his second season removed from his recent partial ACL tear. Coupled with having a full year to learn Stefanski’s offense and a full offseason to master it, 2027 sets up to be a pivotal year for Penix’s future. At this rate, it could also be the final year of his rookie contract, since picking up Penix’s fifth-year option for the 2028 season appears unlikely given all the current concerns.

If Penix doesn’t break out in 2027 and show that he is a viable long-term solution for the team’s quarterback conundrum, it could put Stefanski in the same boat that ultimately doomed both Smith and Morris: going into a make-or-break 2028 season with a brand new quarterback.

2027 QB class could be Falcons’ salvation​

Stefanski’s success in Atlanta potentially rests on avoiding such a fate. Winning will help, since success is the currency that gives coaches time. But if the Falcons are going to win more games under Stefanski, it’ll likely rest on his ability to get more out of the quarterback position. So either the Falcons get Penix to play a lot better, or they pivot to someone else who can. And while much of the focus this offseason will be on the veteran they add as a “bridge” in free agency, there appear to be few good options. So hope may rest on a 2027 draft pick, where they can nab a new passer in a class that is already getting a lot of early hype for how deep it could be.

Hope springs eternal early in the offseason, so few currently expect the 2026 Falcons to be bad enough to land a very high pick in 2027. Therefore, they may not be in a position to draft a quarterback high enough in the first round to automatically usurp Penix’s role as the starter. Instead, they may have to wait and bet on a later-round quarterback again, as they did with Ridder.

Given the potential strength of the 2027 QB class compared to the 2022 class from which Ridder hailed, that should be a better bet. But nonetheless, the odds will never favor a team landing a franchise quarterback in the second or third round.

Not to mention, if Penix takes the bulk of the team’s starting reps during the 2027 season, won’t the team be potentially going down the same exact path with their potential 2027 draft pick being a first-year starter in 2028?

Falcons’ QB future is murky at best​

Overall, the future of the Falcons quarterback position isn’t a particularly rosy portrait. Nor is it doomed, since much still needs to play out. Penix could return this year and exceed expectations. An incredible draft prospect or proven veteran quarterback may fall into the Falcons’ lap at some point in the near future. Perhaps for once in our collective lifetimes, Lady Luck will be on the side of the Atlanta Falcons.

But ultimately, the Falcons’ future rests on getting onto a quarterback timeline that works not only for that signal-caller but also for this Stefanski-led coaching staff. In the meantime, they have their work cut out for them.

Source: https://www.thefalcoholic.com/atlan...t-the-falcons-qb-timeline-right-michael-penix

 

[Atlanta Falcons]

Falcons 2025 safety review: A bright future, a bright present

Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Falcons safety Xavier Watts (31) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Jessie Bates is one of the most highly decorated safeties in the NFL, so it’s no surprise he was once again in 2025 even if his play dropped off a bit. Xavier Watts was a touted safety prospect, but he still managed to surprise en route to a compelling rookie campaign.

Safety was a story of two very good starters and depth that was largely mothballed in 2025. Adding improved depth in 2026 is going to be key, but the Falcons have one really good starter for a long time and one really good starter for at least one more season. Let’s dive into the review.

Jessie Bates​

This was Bates’ worst season in Atlanta, and he was still a very good safety. Like Chris Lindstrom, there’s a lot of room to fall to have a bad year.

Most of the problem came in coverage, where Bates tied his career single season high for touchdowns allowed (4), set a new Falcons season high in yardage allowed by over 100 yards, and had his lowest interception and pass deflection total since arriving in Atlanta. Those coverage pullbacks were noticeable on a handful of big plays in particular, with Bates out of position in a way that proved to be a problem, but the week-to-week, play-to-play level was not noticeably worse than a year ago.

For all that, his coverage still wasn’t terrible, and his run defense and well-timed big plays were still top-tier offerings that remind us how good Bates is and can be. We know that coverage grades and success can vary year-to-year, and I did not see any signs that Bates is falling off heading into his age 30 season. If he makes a handful of additional big plays in coverage this coming season, he’ll be back in the elite territory he’s occupied for years now; if he doesn’t, he’s still an above average starting safety on a defense that heavily relies on its safeties.

Xavier Watts​

I had high hopes for Watts, but he was better than I would have anticipated. Teams tried to go after him at times and had less and less success as the season went on, with Watts allowing two of four targets from Matthew Stafford to be completed in Week 17 for 54 yards and a touchdown…and the other two passes being interceptions.

And that’s where Watts was a huge difference maker: His playmaking ability in coverage. He had a team-high five interceptions, four pass deflections, and impressive instincts in coverage that allowed him to snuff out routes and smother open receiving options with just one penalty on the year. Watts can get even better in this regard, but we should not lose sight of the fact that his rookie year production was incredibly impressive.

He’s not quite at the level of Bates as a run defender, but he also played above expectations closer to the line of scrimmage and kept a low missed tackle rate all year. It’s too early to say this, but nobody should be surprised if Watts is considered one of the league’s elite safety options heading into 2027.

DeMarcco Hellams​

He played just 13 snaps in 2025, leaving his future with the team unclear despite his consistently strong work on special teams. I like Hellams’ physicality and thought his coverage was better than advertised in 2023, but that was two defensive coordinators and two head coaches ago now, so we’ll have to see if he can get more playing time in the final year of his rookie deal.

Jordan Fuller​

Fuller’s season was fairly bewildering. He was coming off a tough year with Carolina, but was familiar with Raheem Morris from their shared time with the Rams and had plenty of starting experience. Once he was beaten out for the starting role by Xavier Watts—the right choice, obviously—he was effectively mothballed, appearing in six games with one start and getting cut before the season was over. The past two seasons tell me he’ll have to catch on as a reserve somewhere, and it may not be a reunion with Morris.

Jammie Robinson​

In limited chances, Robinson looked like a quality reserve safety and special teamer, particularly the latter. I’d be happy to see him return.

Outlook: Very good​

If all the Falcons do is resign Jammie Robinson to go with Bates, Watts, and Hellams, they have an excellent safety group. If they further upgrade their depth, their unit is going to have a real case as the best in the NFL.

It’s nice to have a position group with very few problems, and that’s what the Falcons have. I would be comfortable with Hellams stepping in for several games if needed, and I’m very comfortable with Robinson returning as a special teamer who can fill in if there’s a dire emergency. More than that, Watts and Bates is one of the better starting safety tandems in the NFL, and Watts can get much better than the already quality level of play he had in year one. Aside from boosting the depth with an eye on potentially replacing Bates in a year or two, I wouldn’t touch this group.

Source: https://www.thefalcoholic.com/atlan...e-meets-the-present-xavier-watts-jessie-bates

 

[Atlanta Falcons]

Falcons outside linebacker review: A great year, a muddled future

Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Falcons linebacker Jalon Walker (11) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

It didn’t take long for the good feelings about the Falcons outside linebacker group to curdle. James Pearce Jr.‘s arrested on very serious charges of stalking his ex-girlfriend, ramming her car, and resisting arrest means his future with the team is extremely cloudy just weeks after he finished 2025 with a rookie Falcons record of 10.5 sacks. Leonard Floyd, Arnold Ebiketie, DeAngelo Malone, and Khalid Kareem are all free agents, leaving only Jalon Walker as a sure thing for 2026.

But what a year 2025 was, eh? Let’s review this past season and talk about what’s ahead.

Jalon Walker​

Pearce overshadowed Walker to an extent with his gaudy sack totals, but aside from some struggles in coverage, the Georgia product was excellent in his rookie. Despite dealing with injuries that limited him early on, Walker proved to be a stellar run defender—one of a small handful in Atlanta—who added enough big play potential and pass rushing acumen to make him an excellent piece of the defense in 2025.

Walker had 29 pressures—the fifth-highest total on the team—and was third in sacks. He flew to the ball against the run and missed just 5% of his tackle attempts, showcasing his reliability, instincts, and strength. And Walker tied for the team lead with two forced fumbles, making it clear he can be a nuisance in that regard as well.

There are no red flags here to talk about. Walker should only get better as he improves his coverage chops and refines his pass rush skill set, and teammates and coaches have raved about his leadership and attitude. There’s little question that if he stays healthy, Walker will be a force for good and a long-term team captain in Atlanta, and the Falcons need him to be every bit as good as they (and I) think he can be.

James Pearce Jr.​

Pearce got off to a hot start with eight pressures in his first two weeks, but had just five over his next five weeks and one sack total in the first nine weeks. It appeared he’d have a useful but not spectacular rookie season—his run defense was pretty grisly at times, too—until the lights came on in Week 9 against the Patriots.

From that point on, Pearce’s run defense improved in fits and starts and he put up 32 pressures, 9.5 sacks, and 14 stops over the final eight weeks of the season. The vaunted pass rush ability clicked, Pearce was routinely beating decent tackles and wreaking havoc, and the slow transformation into a more well-rounded player made him a favorite for Defensive Rookie of the Year, an award he finished third in voting for. It was enough to give him the Falcons rookie record in sacks and set him up as the most promising long-term pass rusher since early Vic Beasley or even John Abraham.

The problem, of course, is that there’s no guarantee he plays for the Falcons or in the NFL next year, or in the most extreme case at all. Pearce was arrested and charged with multiple felonies earlier this month after allegedly stalking his ex-girlfriend, repeatedly running into her car to try to prevent her from going to police, hitting a police officer with his car, fleeing police, and then resisting arrest, with the last bit being on video. Given the very real potential that he could have severely injured or killed his ex-girlfriend or himself and that cops and prosecutors are not known to be lenient with offenses that involve police, Pearce’s charges should not be waved away, and there’s the very real potential of jail time even though we all have a healthy degree of skepticism toward that for famous athletes. The most exciting pass rusher the Falcons have had in many, many years is facing allegations that mean he may have thrown away his 2026 season or even his entire career, and the Falcons have to plan as though they may not have him for a significant chunk of this upcoming season as a result.

Leonard Floyd​

Early in the year, Floyd put up two sacks in four weeks, and then managed 1.5 over the final 13 weeks of the season. While the pass rushing production wasn’t there—his pressure total per Pro Football Focus was his lowest since 2017 —he was useful enough against he run and occasionally in coverage to be a worthwhile member of the team’s rotation. The fact that his production came early when the rookies were either banged up or still getting their feet under them helped a great deal.

Given that he’ll be 34 years old in 2026 and his past three seasons show a small but clear pattern of decline, Floyd probably won’t be back unless he’s willing to play on a bargain deal. Having him as a veteran presence and durable, useful outside linebacker in 2025 still mattered a lot.

Arnold Ebiketie​

As always, Ebiketie got stronger as the year went on. Unlike in past years, the opportunity was not there for him.

Ebiketie played a new career-low number of snaps in 2025 as he fell out of favor somewhat in Jeff Ulbrich’s defense. His 25 pressures in 384 snaps weren’t bad—Floyd had 36 in 460, for comparison’s sake—and Ebiketie tended to get more pressure when he received more snaps. But overall he managed just two sacks, was the clear fourth fiddle in this group, and had enough quietly disgruntled social media posts to conclude he’s probably gone.

I would welcome back Ebiketie because his run defense is good enough and his back half production strong enough that he’d be a valuable piece of the puzzle, but his reduction in playing time and clear desire to have a larger role will probably conspire to have him land elsewhere.

Khalid Kareem & DeAngelo Malone​

Kareem had six pressures in 71 snaps, or a pressure every 12 snaps or so, and was solid against the run in his very limited playing time. He’s someone I want back as a bottom of the depth chart option, because he’s a useful player in limited doses. We don’t know—and probably won’t find out—what he could be with more.

Malone played just 19 snaps on defense and was quiet in 2025, but he was one of Marquice Williams’ core special teams player. With Williams out as special teams coordinator, Malone may not be back.

Outlook: Deeply uncertain​

I’m very bullish on Walker, a player who was quietly very good in 2025 and put up 5.5 sacks as a rookie. I think we’re looking at a 7-10 sack player annually who also offers playmaking ability, strong work against the run, and enough promise in coverage to be an asset in every facet of his game. The fact that he’s just entering his second year and the Falcons have a fifth-year option means he should be here a long time, and may well be an elite defender well before that contract is up.

Everything else is deeply uncertain, as I said in the headline for this section. Pearce is almost certainly heading for a multi-week suspension at best and a hefty prison sentence at worst, though the way his case winds through the legal system could determine whether he’s on the commissioner’s exempt list in Week 1 or suspended. It is within the realm of possibility that the Falcons will determine, either because of what happens in court or what comes out in the months ahead, that they don’t want Pearce on the team and will cut him. Regardless, it’s fair to expect the Falcons to be without Pearce for multiple weeks in 2026 and perhaps entirely.

Adding to the uncertainty is the fact that the Falcons don’t have a single other full-time outside linebacker/EDGE under contract right now, though they’ll use Zach Harrison and Brandon Dorlus there in some formations. Floyd would likely only return if he was quite cheap, given his modest production in 2025, and Ebiketie should be headed elsewhere after a quiet season and a diminished role under Jeff Ulbrich. That leaves Khalid Kareem as a beyond-obvious re-signing given his solid run defense and occasional pass rushing chops to be, say, the fourth or fifth guy there; perhaps you bring back DeAngelo Malone for his special teams work. You still need a legitimate second and third guy in the rotation for this group to not take a major step back in 2026.

With the many needs Atlanta has heading into free agency and the draft, it’s clear they can’t fix everything. But the potentially massive loss of pass rushing production that could come if the Falcons don’t have Pearce and can’t effectively replace their 2025 options could prove to be a fatal problem, so we’ll need to see a smart plan that doesn’t rely on faith and hope to not brace for problems.

Source: https://www.thefalcoholic.com/atlan...a-muddled-future-jalon-walker-james-pearce-jr

 

[Atlanta Falcons]

Get ready to vote for the Atlanta Falcons quarter century team

30 Sep 2001: A helmet from the Atlanta Falcons resting during the game against the Arizona Cardinals at the Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. The Falcons defeated the Cardinals 34-14.Mandatory Credit: Donald Miralle /Allsport | Getty Images

It’s the heart of the offseason, with a couple more weeks left until free agency kicks off. That makes it a prime time to dive into the history of the Atlanta Falcons and, of course, argue about it.

Today, we’re going to kick off a series of articles and votes for the Falcons all-century team. We’ll go position-by-position, one to two a day, and try to come up with a starting lineup and direct backups who should be considered the best of the best for the Falcons from 2000-2025.

At some positions, choosing your starter and backup won’t be particularly difficult; the Falcons have only had two beloved, franchise quarterbacks over the past 25 years who played for the team for any amount of time. With others, it’ll be trickier; if you can only choose two running backs you’ll have to leave a couple of Warrick Dunn, Michael Turner, Devonta Freeman, and Bijan Robinson behind.

We’ll kick off voting later this week, but in the meantime, feel free to start building your own all-Falcons lineup.

Source: https://www.thefalcoholic.com/atlan...-for-the-atlanta-falcons-quarter-century-team

 

[Atlanta Falcons]

Falcons cornerback roster review: Plenty of excitement with key decisions to be made

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 13: A.J. Terrell Jr. #24 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates during the second quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 13, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Falcons’ cornerback group usually left you wanting more in past years. As terrific as A.J. Terrell is, the inability to add an above-average second outside cornerback and the instability at nickel had fans frustrated on a long list of defensive frustrations. Those issues were somewhat alleviated last year with Mike Hughes being solid enough, Billy Bowman Jr. showing legitimate flashes, and Dee Alford’s revival. There were still moments where more was expected from a group on a defense that was raising the standard of play across all three levels.

That has to be the mindset for Jeff Ulbrich’s defense. They set the bar high for how well they played last season. Mediocre units don’t rattle the Bills and Rams as they did. Ulbrich deserves enormous credit for how well he coached in both matchups. The players stepped up to execute his vision. It was an overall positive year for the group, but there is genuine potential to do significantly more with at least one personnel upgrade.

A.J. Terrell​

Atlanta’s stalwart cornerback has appeared to find his niche over the last three seasons. After performing at an All-Pro level in 2021, Terrell endured a difficult 2022 season. He allowed nine touchdowns and suffered a midseason hamstring injury. The high variance in play has evened out, as the one-time second-team All-Pro has established himself as one of the more highly regarded cornerbacks in the NFL. What prevents Terrell from reclaiming his place as one of the best, as he was in 2021, stems from two issues: his propensity to commit penalties and crumble in certain matchups.

Terrell plays with the physicality and fluidity you want from a top-tier cornerback. The lack of composure in man coverage in certain moments has proven costly. Committing five penalties against Tampa Bay was jarring, especially given his history against Mike Evans. Although Evans has gotten the better of him in previous matchups, Terrell did a stellar job against him on opening day this season. Terrell was penalized 12 times this past season. Combining that with producing zero interceptions will leave everyone wanting more from a player of his caliber.

Despite those frustrating moments, Terrell is still more than capable of rising to the occasion. The way he stifled Puka Nacua in primetime showcased his capabilities as an all-around cornerback who embraces being isolated against the best. Terrell’s tackling noticeably improved, as he missed a career-low eight tackles per Pro Football Focus. There is plenty to admire about Terrell’s game. Reducing penalties and explosive plays allowed in big matchups, like against Jaxon Smith-Njigba, would do wonders for him becoming an All-Pro again.

Mike Hughes​

The veteran cornerback couldn’t quite replicate the success he had in 2024. There was concern about how Hughes would acclimate to playing more man coverage in Ulbrich’s defense after playing mostly zone coverage under Jimmy Lake. Hughes is more suited to playing in space and covering what is in front of him. His dependability as an instinctual open-field tackler helped the defense find some stability within a largely unstable unit in 2024.

While he wasn’t a glaring liability in Ulbrich’s system, it was evident that the Falcons needed a cornerback better suited to pressing wide receivers at the line of scrimmage and handling being isolated outside the numbers. Hughes allowed three completions of 40+ yards, where he couldn’t stay step-for-step with the opposing receiver. That includes Deebo Samuel blistering past him for a 24-yard touchdown on fourth down. Hughes is a capable player, but it’s difficult to see the defense elevating itself into the upper echelon with him as a starter. The current trajectory of Ulbrich’s group should have them assessing credible options to start over the former first-round pick in 2026.

Dee Alford​

Not many could have imagined Alford reviving his career in Atlanta following a disastrous 2024 season. There are countless things Ulbrich can be proud of in 2025. Helping Alford regain his confidence and play within a scheme better suited to his skill set was massive for a cornerback group that became decimated. Instead of sitting in zones and constantly processing what is in front of him, the former CFL star was allowed to play more aggressively and battle with opposing wide receivers across the field in man coverage.

Where Alford showed genuine growth in his game came from making highlight-reel plays while in Cover 2 and Cover 4. His three interceptions occurred against Buffalo, Tampa Bay, and New Orleans, where he read the opposing quarterback’s eyes and closed in on the attempted pass with terrific anticipation and athleticism. All three of those plays proved crucial in victories, including a playoff spot for Carolina. While he is still liable for allowing big plays downfield, Alford reinserted himself as a capable player who can play both inside and outside. His progress will earn him a nice contract next month. It’s uncertain whether a new deal will come from Atlanta because of its lengthy list of free agents.

Billy Bowman Jr.​

It was a small sample size, with some fortunate moments where coverage busts didn’t lead to explosive plays, but Bowman Jr. left a lasting impression in his rookie season. The sheer aggression and savvy plays helped set the tone for a defense playing with a new attack-minded edge. Several moments showcased Bowman Jr.’s ability to make instinctual plays, from closing down players in a flash for minimal gains to cleverly anticipating routes. The six games he played in featured moments where it felt like the Falcons found a true gem at a crucial position.

Bowman Jr. is still a work in progress handling slot man coverage responsibilities. There were bound to be difficult moments, given his lack of experience in playing that position full-time. The shortcomings in those areas are forgivable when a young player is still learning and making notable impacts elsewhere. What Bowman Jr. provides as a ballhawk, blitzer, and run defender makes him someone to believe in. Forcing negative plays and turnovers is pivotal for a group in the process of finding its true identity. Bowman Jr. was one of the driving forces behind their success when he was on the field.

Other contributors​

Several other cornerbacks were pressed into action because of injuries suffered by all four primary cornerbacks. C.J. Henderson was the biggest standout in securing a game-sealing interception against Arizona. Some of his biggest attributes in man coverage and as a tackler, which made him a top ten pick back in 2020, were on display during his three games as a Falcon. Keith Taylor Jr. filled in admirably against a Colts’ offense, firing on all cylinders, when the teams squared off in Germany. It was surprising he wasn’t given more opportunities.

Natrone Brooks showed great promise in limited reps in 2024. That didn’t translate when the defense needed him against Carolina. From allowing a 36-yard touchdown to Xavier Legette on a go ball to missing a crucial open-field tackle on Tommy Tremble after going for the punch out, Brooks made game-changing errors. That includes fumbling on a kickoff return, which led to a Carolina touchdown. That game ended up being one of the main reasons why Carolina won the NFC South. Cobee Bryant didn’t fare much better when facing Tampa Bay, but there are understandable reasons for his struggles. It’s hard to expect much from an undrafted cornerback in isolated matchups against Evans. Bryant did flash some upside with his length and closing speed.

2026 Outlook​

There is plenty to be excited about with this positional group. While the futures of Hughes and Alford will be addressed, it’s incredibly exciting to have two cornerbacks who should be difference makers in their respective roles. Terrell is coming off another impressive season in the prime of his career. Bowman Jr. possesses all the intangibles to be a terrific defensive back.

Will they re-sign Alford? Does Hughes get released? What happens if another team offers more for Alford than the front office expected? Is another cornerback brought in to compete with Hughes for the left outside cornerback starting role? Those are the questions that must be asked during the offseason. This can be one of the biggest positional strengths on the roster if they decide to make changes opposite Terrell. An upgrade could do wonders for a secondary that has one of the NFL’s top safety tandems.

Source: https://www.thefalcoholic.com/atlan...ey-decisions-to-be-made-aj-terrell-dee-alford