Falcons training camp: Previewing each defensive position group

Yahoo

15-07-2025

The Atlanta Falcons defense lost its way late in the season as the team squandered a chance for a playoff berth in the NFC. General manager Terry Fontenot and head coach Raheem Morris were determined to get this unit back on track, and the team's offseason moves reflected that.
The Falcons brought in Jeff Ulbrich to replace Jimmy Lake as the defensive coordinator, and selected two edge rushers in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft. With training camp approaching, many will be watching the team's new-look defense, especially rookies Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr.
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Atlanta also upgraded in the secondary and said goodbye to franchise legend Grady Jarrett. Check out our pre-training camp preview of each position group on the Falcons defense below. And don't forget to read our offensive preview.
Falcons Defensive Line Breakdown
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 16: Ruke Orhorhoro #98 and Kentavius Street #93 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrate a tackle against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first quarter in the game at Allegiant Stadium on December 16, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by)
The Falcons have said they want to play their young players more in 2025, which leads me to think they will start Ruke Orhorhoro and Zach Harrison next to defensive tackle David Onyemata. Orhorhoro played sparingly as a rookie but the team traded up to the 35th overall pick to draft him in 2024. Morgan Fox has a chance to play a key role as well, but I expect the team to use a heavy rotation at all three spots.
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NT depth chart:
David Onyemata
Kentavius Street
LaCale London
LDE depth chart:
Ruke Orhorhoro
Morgan Fox
Simeon Barrow Jr.
RDE depth chart:
Zach Harrison
Ta'Quon Graham
Brandon Dorlus
2025 salary cap hits for Falcons DL:
Onyemata: $16,925,000
Fox: $2,500,000
Orhorhoro: $2,253,665
Harrison: $1,518,667
Graham: $1,337,500
Street: $1,197,500
Dorlus: $1,165,599
London: $960,000
Barrow Jr.: $850,000
As you can see above, Onyemata's 2025 salary cap hit is over six times higher than the next defensive lineman on the team. The Falcons don't have much money committed to the position outside of Onyemata. Fox, who signed with the team as a free agent, has the second-highest cap hit at just $2.5 million this season. Only one other defensive lineman, Ruke Orhorhoro, will top the $2 million mark this season. Overall, this group is set to earn around $29 million in 2025.
Top free agent DL available:
Jadeveon Clowney
Raekwon Davis
DeMarcus Walker
Austin Johnson
The Falcons have a few decent options to choose from if they want more help up front. Jadeveon Clowney is by far the best free agent available at the position, and he would make some sense if the Falcons aren't confident in their current group. Raekwon Davis and DeMarcus Walker are other options, while Austin Johnson could be a name to watch at the defensive tackle spot.
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Predictions/expectations for DL in 2025:
With Jarrett in Chicago, the Falcons will look to a few different players to replace him in 2025. Morgan Fox and Ruke Orhorhoro are both in the mix to start up front. It will likely come down to who performs best in training camp, which begins on July 24. Zach Harrison is in line for an expanded role, and second-year defensive lineman Ruke Orhorhoro could also start for Atlanta. While this group has some promising talent, it's arguably the team's weakest position overall. Onyemata is a proven veteran but the rest of the group is relatively untested.
Falcons Outside Linebacker Breakdown
Jun 11, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons linebacker Jalon Walker (11) shown during Minicamp at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
This is where the team's depth chart starts to get tricky. While I think both rookies will be starting by the end of the season, Leonard Floyd and Arnold Ebiketie have the experience advantage. The team could initially use Walker in a hybrid role, alternating him between edge rusher and off-ball linebacker. Expect this group to rotate quite a bit while defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich finds a lineup that works best.
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ROLB depth chart:
Jalon Walker
Arnold Ebiketie
Bralen Trice
Khalid Kareem
LOLB depth chart:
James Pearce Jr.
Leonard Floyd
DeAngelo Malone
2025 salary cap hits for Falcons OLBs:
Leonard Floyd: $10,000,000
Jalon Walker: $3,738,612
James Pearce Jr.: $3,050,688
Arnold Ebiketie: $2,805,948
DeAngelo Malone: $1,663,957
Bralen Trice: $1,347,667
Khalid Kareem: $1,030,000
At $10 million, Floyd is by far the highest paid of Atlanta's edge rushers in terms of his 2025 salary cap number. The Falcons have roughly $24 million in total cap space committed to the position this season. Rookies Walker and Pearce hold the second- and third-highest cap numbers at $3,738,612 and $3,050,688, respectively. Ebiketie isn't far behind with cap hit of $2.8 million.
Top free agent OLBs available:
Za'Darius Smith
Matthew Judon
Von Miller
Jalen Reeves-Maybin
As we just examined, the Falcons actually have a pretty deep group of outside linebackers. However, NFL teams always have to be aware of who's available, and there are a few notable names. Smith is the top name on the list, but he'll likely be signed before the season begins,. After that, it's a mixture of veterans, including Matthew Judon and Von Miller.
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Predictions/expectations for OLBs in 2025:
While there's a lot to be excited about with this edge group, history suggests that fans should temper their expectations. Both Walker and Pearce have immense upside, but it may take some time before they hit their stride. Floyd is a solid veteran who I expect to play a big role, along with Ebiketie. Also, don't sleep on Bralen Trice. The former third-round pick looked good before suffering a season-ending injury during the 2024 preseason.
Falcons Inside Linebacker Breakdown
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 26: Kaden Elliss #55 of the Atlanta Falcons reacts after making a tackle in the second quarter of the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 26, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Elliss is the heartbeat of this group. The veteran linebacker had a career year in 2024, and will look to lead the unit as the team transitions to defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich in 2025. The Falcons signed free agent Divine Deablo, who should battle Troy Andersen for the other starting gig. Andersen, a former second-round pick, has been solid when healthy, but he's had trouble staying on the field. Deablo is another experienced veteran who's impressed the coaching staff thus far at OTAs.
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Right ILB depth chart:
Kaden Elliss
JD Bertrand
Caleb Johnson
Malik Verdon
Elliss is the heartbeat of this group. The veteran linebacker had a career year in 2024, and will look to lead the unit as the team transitions to defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich in 2025. Bertrand was a fifth-round pick last year and saw the field more than much of the team's 2024 draft class. Johnson is an experienced veteran who can add depth. Verdon is a former safety who projects as an inside linebacker.
Left ILB depth chart:
Divine Deablo
Troy Andersen
Josh Woods
Nick Kubitz
The other inside linebacker job is up for grabs. The team signed free agent Divine Deablo, who should battle Troy Andersen for the starting gig. Andersen, a former second-round pick, has been solid when healthy, but he's had trouble staying on the field. Deablo is another experienced veteran who's impressed the coaching staff thus far at OTAs.
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2025 salary cap hits for Falcons ILBs:
Kaden Elliss: $8,500,000
Divine Deablo: $4,940,000
Troy Andersen: $1,942,046
JD Bertrand: $1,047,506
Caleb Johnson: $1,030,000
Josh Woods: $1,030,000
Nick Kubitz: $845,000
Malik Verdon: $843,333
As you can see, the team has around $20 million in cap space going to the inside linebacker position this season. Elliss has the highest cap hit ($8.5 million), while Deablo's cap hit is second on the team at just under $5 million. Former second-round pick Troy Andersen is due $1.94 million. Second-year linebacker JD Bertrand is fourth on the team with a cap hit of $1,047,506 this season.
Top free agent ILBs available:
CJ Mosley (retired)
De'Vondre Campbell
Eric Kendricks
Kwon Alexander
The Falcons won't have many options if they're forced to look to free agency. The top two options -- CJ Mosley and De'Vondre Campbell -- may be done with football. Campbell's 2024 season with the 49ers ended in controversy while Mosley just announced his retirement from the NFL. Eric Kendricks and Kwon Alexander are decent options if the team is looking to add more depth.
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Predictions/expectations for Falcons ILBs in 2025:
This group will be interesting to watch in 2025, mainly due to Ulbrich taking over as defensive coordinator. We expect Elliss to have another big year starting in the middle. As for Deablo and Andersen, their roles will depend on the scheme Ulbrich runs. Overall, this is a talented group with good depth. The Falcons did not re-sign Nate Landman, who split time as a starter and backup over the last few seasons.
Falcons Cornerback Breakdown
Jun 11, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell (24) catches the ball during Minicamp at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
RCB depth chart:
A.J. Terrell
Clark Phillips III
Keith Taylor
Dontae Manning (UDFA)
LCB depth chart:
Mike Hughes
Mike Ford Jr.
Natrone Brooks
Lamar Jackson
NCB depth chart:
Dee Alford
Billy Bowman (Rookie)
Cobee Bryant (UDFA)
There are no major surprises here. While Mike Hughes and Dee Alford may not be among the top players at their respective positions, both have starting experience and offer stability. Hughes in particular is coming off arguably the best season of his career. Atlanta could have traded for Jalen Ramsey or signed Jaire Alexander, but the team had limited cap space. We listed Bowman as the backup nickel to Alford, but don't be surprised if the rookie sees the field in 2025.
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2025 salary cap hits for Falcons CBs:
Terrell: $9,000,000
Hughes: $3,586,666
Ford: $1,845,000
Alford: $1,490,000
Phillips: $1,223,383
Taylor: $1,100,000
Bowman: $1,086,538
Jackson: $1,030,000
Brooks: $960,000
Bryant: $853,333
Manning: $843,333
The Falcons gave Terrell a mega-extension last year, but he will only count for $9 million against the salary cap in 2025. That's not bad for a No. 1 cornerback. Hughes is second on the team with a cap hit of $3.5 million. Alford will earn $1.5 million and Phillips isn't far behind at $1.2 million. Overall, and the team will pay roughly $24 million to cornerbacks this season.
Top free agent CBs available:
James Bradberry
Kendall Fuller
Stephon Gilmore
Rasul Douglas
The Falcons are unlikely to make any major secondary additions now that the top names are off the market. If the team wants to add someone with starting experience, there are some decent options available. Bradberry is probably the top corner on the market, while Fuller and Gilmore have plenty of experience. There are plenty of solid depth players on the market as well.
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Predictions/expectations for Falcons CBs in 2025:
The Falcons didn't make any major improvements at cornerback, but they also didn't lose any notable players. Hughes and Alford are back, and you could argue the team has better depth behind those two than it had in 2024. I expect Clark Phillips III to serve as a versatile backup playing both inside and outside. As mentioned earlier, I also believe Bowman will find his way onto the field this season. Terrell sets the tone for this group as a whole. If the team's pass rush makes progress, it will only help the Falcons secondary in 2025.
Falcons Safety Breakdown
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 22: Jessie Bates III #3 of the Atlanta Falcons returns an interception for a touchdown against the New York Giants during the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 22, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
While Jessie Bates returns for his third season leading Atlanta's secondary, there's been some debate among fans as to who will start at the other safety spot. The team did not re-sign Justin Simmons in free agency. Since Fuller has starting experience and is familiar with head coach Raheem Morris from their time in Los Angeles, we have the veteran penciled in as the starter for Week 1. However, Watts is also firmly in the mix. If the rookie shines during training camp, there's a chance he could leapfrog Fuller on the depth chart.
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FS depth chart:
Jessie Bates III
Xavier Watts
Kevin King
SS depth chart:
Jordan Fuller
DeMarcco Hellams
Josh Thompson
While Jessie Bates returns for his third season leading Atlanta's secondary, there's been some debate among fans as to who will start at the other safety spot. The team did not re-sign Justin Simmons in free agency. Since Fuller has starting experience and is familiar with head coach Raheem Morris from their time in Los Angeles, we have the veteran penciled in as the starter for Week 1. However, Watts is also firmly in the mix. If the rookie shines during training camp, there's a chance he could leapfrog Fuller on the depth chart.
2025 salary cap hits for Falcons safeties:
Bates: $22,250,000
King: $1,197,500
Fuller: $1,155,000
Watts: $1,125,192
Hellams: $1,056,575
Thompson: $960,000
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Overall, the Falcons are spending roughly $28 million at the safety position, with $22.2 million of that going to Pro Bowl safety Jessie Bates III. Atlanta gave Bates a four-year, $64 million contract during the 2023 offseason. Thus far, he's been worth every penny. Every other safety on the roster has a salary cap hit of less than $1.2 million this season.
Top free agent safeties available:
Justin Simmons
Marcus Williams
Quandre Diggs
Julian Blackmon
As you can see above, there are some still capable safeties available in free agency. Simmons is probably the top name on the market, and would be an interesting option if the Falcons are looking for an injury replacement. However, we still expect the veteran to land somewhere before the season begins. Marcus Williams and former Pro Bowl safety Quandre Diggs are other potential options for Atlanta in free agency.
Predictions/expectations for 2025:
Despite letting Simmons walk in free agency, the Falcons arguably got better at the safety position over the offseason. Watts has long-term starter potential and won't be forced into the lineup until he's ready. DeMarcco Hellams, who missed all of the 2024 season, is a good depth piece who still has plenty of upside. Bates is one of the truly elite safeties in the NFL. If cornerback-turned-safety Kevin King makes the roster, he can provide depth at both spots. Overall, the entire back end of Atlanta's defense should benefit from an improved pass rush this season.
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This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons 2025 roster breakdown: Defensive position groups