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USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
NFL analyst lays out worst-case scenario for Falcons in 2025
Pro Football Sports Network broke down the worst-cast scenario for each team in 2025 The Atlanta Falcons ended the 2024 season on a bittersweet note. While it was encouraging to see Michael Penix Jr. play well in his first few starts, it felt like the team missed a chance to finally get back into the playoffs. After a painfully long offseason, the Falcons are close to taking the field for their second official training camp of the Raheem Morris era. With 10 of 11 offensive starters set to return, the team should rely heavily on its offense in 2025. The Falcons defense has a lot to prove, though. Fans are rightfully excited about first-round picks Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr., but there should be an adjustment period with so many new faces and Jeff Ulbrich taking over as defensive coordinator. Obviously, Atlanta wants to return to the postseason, but what is the team's worst-case scenario in 2025? PFSN Analyst Jacob Infante looked attempted to project the floor of each NFL team. The Falcons' worst-case scenario record for the 2025 season was 6-11: Michael Penix Jr. takes the reins as quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons after Kirk Cousins followed up a 6-3 start by going 1-4 in the final five games before he got benched. That collapse can be attributed to poor quarterback play, but it's also a team game at the end of the day. -- Jacob Infante, PFSN While a six-win season would certainly be a disappointment, Atlanta's projected floor is higher than two of three NFC South rivals. The Carolina Panthers' worst-case scenario was 4-13, while the New Orleans Saints had the lowest projected floor at 2-15. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were the top-ranked team in the division with a worst-case projection of 7-10. The Falcons clearly have more question marks than the Buccaneers, but they seem to be miles ahead of the Saints. Even in tightly contested division like the NFC South, the Falcons are facing a decent amount of pressure to finally take that next step in 2025. Players officially report for training camp on July 23, with the team's first practice coming on July 24. Check out our Falcons training camp preview and latest 53-man roster projection for the 2025 season.
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Where ESPN ranks Deion Sanders among all-time No. 5 NFL draft picks
Deion Sanders, one of the best athletes of his generation, was the fifth overall pick in the 1989 NFL draft, selected by the Atlanta Falcons. He went on to become one of the first two-way players in the NFL, winning two Super Bowls and a Defensive Player of the Year award. But where does the Pro Football Hall of Famer rank among all-time No. 5 draft picks? That is a tricky question considering all the talented players selected with that pick. ESPN's Ben Solak did the yeoman's work of going through every draft pick since the seven-round format began, attempting to select the best player drafted at each slot. Solak eventually concluded that Sanders was the best player ever selected at pick No. 5, a feat that, despite his immense talent, was no guarantee. After all, LaDainian Tomlinson, Junior Seau, Ja'Marr Chase, Jalen Ramsey, and Sean Taylor were all selected fifth overall. Here is what Solak had to say about Sanders: Sanders gets the nod for his unique place as a two-way player (not to mention his two rings -- one of which came in his Defensive Player of the Year season -- and his six first-team All-Pro appearances). Does he also get a bump for providing excellent return on a sixth-round draft pick in the MLB draft? Who's to say? It is a stacked draft position, and Tomlinson makes a case for the top spot, but in terms of athletic greatness, Sanders has to be on top, considering he not only played but starred in both a World Series and a Super Bowl. Sanders ranked up 512 tackles, 10 forced fumbles, 53 interceptions and an impressive 10 defensive touchdowns over his 14-year NFL career. Sanders now walks the Colorado sideline as head coach and has surrounded himself with other Hall of Famers from his playing days, one being Warren Sapp. Sapp makes this list as the best 11th pick in the NFL draft as the only Hall of Famer to come from that draft slot thus far. With both Sanders and Sapp coaching college football in Boulder now, Colorado is well-positioned to continue its upward trajectory that began when Sanders took over the program. Follow Charlie Strella on X, Threads and Instagram. Contact/Follow us @BuffaloesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Colorado news, notes and opinions.
USA Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Falcons training camp: Previewing each position group on 2025 roster
Previewing each Falcons position group before start of training camp With NFL training camps set to open later this month, the Atlanta Falcons are hoping they did enough to finally end their seven-year postseason drought. The team brought in numerous reinforcements, most of which were on the defensive side of the ball. Offensively, the Falcons will return 10 of 11 starters from last year's roster. The only change was at the center position, with veteran backup Ryan Neuzil taking over for Drew Dalman. At quarterback, Michael Penix Jr. has replaced veteran Kirk Cousins, who is still on the roster. Players officially report for training camp on July 23, with the first open practice scheduled for July 24. Check out our pre-training camp preview of each position group below. Falcons Quarterback Breakdown Penix enters the season as the unquestioned starter, but Cousins' presence still feels slightly odd. At this point, we have to believe the Falcons aren't bluffing about keeping the high-priced veteran QB. Assuming he's still on the roster, Cousins will serve as a quality backup. Easton Stick, who has 1,133 passing yards, three touchdowns and one career interception, should be the third-string QB this season. QB Depth Chart (4): 2025 salary cap hits for Falcons QBs: When your backup quarterback makes seven times more than your starter, it's usually a sign that somebody messed up. Cousins would likely prefer to play elsewhere, but the Falcons have no incentive to do him any favors. Unless the team can get another team to pay a chunk of Cousins' salary, it's hard to imagine him playing elsewhere in 2025. Atlanta could get out of his contract next season for considerably less. Top free agent QBs available: The Falcons have no real reason to add another veteran quarterback. The only scenario I could see them signing another QB would be if they release or trade Cousins and want to add a more established backup behind Penix. Wentz and Huntley could be options in this scenario. Predictions/expectations for QBs in 2025: Penix showed enough upside in his three starts last season that we don't anticipate any QB controversies in 2025. The former No. 8 pick in the draft has all the tools to be a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback. With a talented surrounding cast and a rifle for an arm, Penix has a real chance to lead the team to the postseason for the first time since 2017. Falcons Running Back Breakdown Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier are locks to make the roster, but the other spots are up for grabs. The team released 2024 sixth-round pick Jase McClellan and signed UFL standout Jashaun Corbin. Dotson and Carter will have to ball out during training camp to play themselves onto the roster. This is arguably one of the most talented running back groups in the entire league. RB Depth Chart (6): 2025 salary cap hits for Falcons RBs: For the amount of talent in the backfield, the Falcons are getting a major bargain. Allgeier and Robinson take up around $7.2 million of cap space combined. If you look at what some of the top backs make around the league, it's hard to find a better value in the NFL at running back. Top free agent RBs available: We think the Falcons will stand pat with their current group, however, adding a veteran like Jamaal Williams would make some sense. Predictions/expectations for RBs in 2025: Robinson just posted a career-high 1,456 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. He should only get better with a more explosive passing attack to complement him in 2025. Allgeier is a perfect change-of-pace back whose bruising style wears out opposing defenders late in games. Corbin is an exciting prospect with a real chance to make the roster now that the team has released McClellan. Falcons Wide Receiver Breakdown Drake London, Darnell Mooney and Ray-Ray McCloud will again serve as Atlanta's top three wideouts. The team signed Agnew to take over the kick/punt return duties from former Falcons running back Avery Williams. Outside of the top guys, look out for Chris Blair, David Sills and Nash to be in the mix for a spot on the 53-man roster. Don't sleep on second-year wideout Casey Washington, who played a role on special teams last season as a rookie. WR Depth Chart (13): 2025 salary cap hits for Falcons WRs: Mooney has the highest cap hit of the team's wide receivers in 2025. The former Bear finished with 992 receiving yards last season and that was without playing in the final game. London has the second-highest cap hit as he enters his fourth season in Atlanta. The team just picked up London's fifth-year option, assuring he'll be with the team through the 2026 season at least. Hodge signed a two-year, $6 million contract to remain in Atlanta. Top free agent WRs available: Atlanta has a nice wide receiver core, so we don't foresee the team bringing in any of the big-name players available at the position. Keenan Allen and Amari Cooper will probably only be considered if the team suffered an injury to one of its top receivers. Predictions/expectations for WRs in 2025: The Falcons did not draft a single wide receiver, nor did they make any significant additions in free agency. The group will continue to be led by an ascending London, who's firmly established himself as the No. 1 option, and Mooney, who quietly had a nice season as the team's No. 2 wideout. Agnew likely won't play a major role on offense but is a huge special teams signing. McCloud returns as the team's slot receiver after a career year in 2024. Atlanta should have one of the better wide receiver rooms in the NFL this season. Falcons Tight End Breakdown The Falcons did not re-sign Ross Dwelley in free agency but brought in Teagan Quitoriano and Feleipe Franks for depth behind Pitts and Woerner. Pitts will likely continue to play a hybrid tight end/wide receiver role with Woerner playing a more traditional in-line blocker role. Franks is still a project but has a chance to make the roster due to his versatility. The team is also high on undrafted free agent Joshua Simon, a projected Day 3 pick out of South Carolina. TE Depth Chart (6): 2025 salary cap hits for Falcons TEs: Pitts is entering the final year of his rookie contract. The team picked up his fifth-year option, which will cost $10.8 million this season. The former No. 4 pick should have all the motivation in the world to play his best this season and cash during the offseason, either in Atlanta or somewhere else. Woerner is set to earn just under $3.75 million this season. Nobody else is set to make over $1.5 million in 2025. Top free agent TEs available: The team could look to free agency to add another tight end before training camp. Two former Falcons players would make interesting fits. Hayden Hurst and MyCole Pruitt had success during their time in Atlanta and could be valuable depth additions. Veterans Gerald Everett and CJ Uzomah are also options for the Falcons in free agency. Predictions/expectations for TEs 2025 The Falcons did not draft a tight end and will look to Pitts and Woerner to lead the room yet again in 2025. Woerner rarely gets the recognition he deserves but is one of the better blocking tight ends in the league. Pitts has moments where he looks like a top-five pick, and others where he seems to disappear. I think the consistent presence of Penix will bring out the best in Pitts this season. I don't think he tops 1,000 yards but could get close if he stays healthy. Falcons Offensive Tackle Breakdown Jake Matthews and Kaleb McGary will lead the way yet again in 2025. The two former first-round picks have been reliable bookends along Atlanta's offensive line. Storm Norton is a quality backup who's played well when called upon in the past.. While the Falcons did not commit major resources to the offensive tackle position, they did nab 6-foot-7 rookie Jack Nelson in the seventh round of the draft. Nelson excels as a zone-blocker and should be a good developmental prospect behind Matthews. Left Tackle Depth Chart: Right Tackle Depth Chart: 2025 salary cap hits for Falcons OTs: Matthews lowered his cap hit for 2025 when he signed a two-year, $45 million extension just before the start of NFL free agency. That leaves McGary as the team's highest-paid offensive tackle this season with a cap hit of $16.5 million. Norton will make the third-most this season ($1.5 million) and the rest top out at $1 million. Overall, the team is paying over $30 million to its top three offensive tackles. Top free agent OTs available: Fant was released by the Seahawks and has starting experience. If the team ends up needing an offensive tackle, he would have to be high on the list. There aren't many good options available in free agency this late in the offseason, but Andrus Peat and Isaiah Wynn are potential targets. Predictions/expectations for OTs in 2025: As you can see, the Falcons have a pretty good situation at tackle. Not only do they have two capable starters in Matthews and McGary, but they have a quality swing tackle in Storm Norton and a promising rookie in Jack Nelson. With there being change at the center position, the entire line will have to step up. One thing to watch this season is how McGary holds up as Penix Jr.'s blind-side protector. Falcons Offensive Guard Breakdown Chris Lindstrom is arguably the top guard in the game, and Matthew Bergeron, while not a popular pick at the time, has solidified the left guard position over the last two seasons in Atlanta. While offensive linemen don't get much recognition, the Falcons have two extremely talented duos at guard and tackle. Left Guard Depth Chart: Right Guard Depth Chart: Behind Bergeron are veteran Elijah Wilkinson and undrafted free agent Josh Gray. Wilkinson has starting experience at both guard and tackle, making him a valuable backup. Gray was a projected Day 3 draft pick who will likely take a developmental role this season. Hinton doesn't have a ton of experience but he's been around for the last few seasons, so there's some familiarity there. 2025 salary cap hits for Falcons guards: Overall, the Falcons have roughly $20 million in salary cap space committed to the guard position. Lindstrom is one of the highest-paid offensive linemen in the NFL, but no other player on the roster will top the $2.5 million mark in 2025. Bergeron is a major bargain at $2.4 million, but he'll be up for an extension soon. Top free agent guards available: At this point in the offseason, very few impact free agents remain. If the Falcons are desperate to add someone, the best options are Brandon Scherff, Will Hernandez and Dalton Risner. We don't foresee the team bringing in anyone at guard, assuming the current group stays healthy. Letting a young player like Joshua Gray develop is probably a better use of a roster spot than adding a veteran to sit on the bench. Predictions/expectations for OGs in 2025: The Falcons have two very good starters at the guard position and they should be even better in Year 2 of Zac Robinson's system. As mentioned above, the only real question mark surrounding Atlanta's guards is how the loss of Dalman will affect their play this season. The team has decent depth with versatile backup Elijah Wilkinson, and a good developmental option in Joshua Gray. It should be a good year for this group in 2025. Falcons Center Breakdown As you can see below, there's no real threat or competition for Ryan Neuzil at center. Gwyn is a former seventh-round pick and has only appeared in two career games. Cindric is a former undrafted free agent who spent his first year in Minnesota. The Falcons signed Gonzalez is an undrafted free agent out of Louisville while they waited for Neuzil to sign his contract. Center Depth Chart: 2025 salary cap hits for Falcons centers: The Falcons signed Neuzil to a two-year, $9.5 million deal in late May. His 2025 salary cap hit is $3.2 million, which isn't bad for a starting offensive lineman. Gwyn has the second-highest cap hit of the team's centers at $1 million this season. Cindric and Gonzalez are outside of the Falcons' top 51 players in terms of salary cap this season ($840,000 apiece). Top free agent centers available: The free-agent center market leaves a lot to be desired. It's clear why the team felt bringing back Neuzil was its best option. Former Patriots center David Andrews would have been a good option but he opted to retire following his release. Dan Feeney and Nick Gates are a few low-end options the team could consider if they don't like their current group. Predictions/expectations for centers in 2025: Neuzil is a former undrafted free agent who's spent his entire career as a backup. He played well in place of Dalman last season and now it's his time to shine. While Neuzil doesn't have much experience, he's in a good spot playing between Pro Bowl guard Chris Lindstrom and former second-round pick Matthew Bergeron. If Neuzil doesn't get the job done this season, perhaps the team will give Gwyn a look. Falcons Defensive Line Breakdown 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. NT depth chart: LDE depth chart: RDE depth chart: 2025 salary cap hits for Falcons DL: 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: 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. 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 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. ROLB depth chart: LOLB depth chart: 2025 salary cap hits for Falcons OLBs: 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: 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. 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 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. Right ILB depth chart: 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: 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. 2025 salary cap hits for Falcons ILBs: 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: 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. 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 RCB depth chart: LCB depth chart: NCB depth chart: 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. 2025 salary cap hits for Falcons CBs: 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: 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. 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 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. FS depth chart: SS depth chart: 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: 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: 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.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Falcons' updated roster with uniform numbers for each player
In two weeks, the Atlanta Falcons will officially report to training camp for the 2025 NFL season. Expectations have been raised as the team prepares for the second year under head coach Raheem Morris. The Falcons offense returns 10 of 11 starters, while the defense has new faces at all three levels. Rookies Jalon Walker, James Pearce Jr. and Xavier Watts are expected to play key roles this season as Atlanta looks to finally fix their defense under defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich. Players will arrive in Flowery Branch on July 23, with their first official practice coming on July 24. Advertisement Check out the team's updated training camp roster, including uniform numbers for each player below. Quarterback (4) Michael Penix Jr. (9) Emory Jones (11) Easton Stick (12) Kirk Cousins (18) Running back (6) Bijan Robinson (7) Tyler Allgeier (25) Carlos Washington (26) Jashaun Corbin (30) Nathan Carter (38) Elijah Dotson (41) Wide Receiver (13) Darnell Mooney (1) KhaDarel Hodge (4) Drake London (5) Jamal Agnew (14) Chris Blair (19) Ray-Ray McCloud (34) Quincy Skinner Jr. (36) Nick Nash (80) Dylan Drummond (81) Casey Washington (82) Makai Polk (83) Jesse Matthews (86) David Sills (87) Tight End (6) Kyle Pitts (8) Feleipe Franks (15) Joshua Simon (47) Teagan Quitoriano (85) Nikola Kalinic (88) Charlie Woerner (89) Offensive Line (17) Jovaughn Gwyn (52) Michael Gonzalez (61) Jordan Williams (62) Chris Lindstrom (63) Ryan Neuzil (64) Matthew Bergeron (65) Joshua Gray (67) Kyle Hinton (68) Jack Nelson (69) Jake Matthews (70) Elijah Wilkinson (71) Kilian Zierer (72) Matthew Cindric (73) Tyrone Wheatley Jr. (74) Brandon Parker (75) Kaleb McGary (76) Storm Norton (77) Defensive line (9) Brandon Dorlus (54) David Onyemata (90) Simeon Barrow Jr. (91) Kenatavius Street (93) LaCale London (94) Ta'Quon Graham (95) Zach Harrison (96) Ruke Orhorhoro (98) Morgan Fox (99) Linebacker (14) Divine Deablo (0) Jalon Walker (11) Arnold Ebiketie (17) James Pearce Jr. (27) JD Bertrand (40) Josh Woods (42) Troy Andersen (44) Bralen Trice (48) DeAngelo Malone (51) Caleb Johnson (53) Kaden Elliss (55) Leonard Floyd (56) Nick Kubitz (59) Khalid Kareem (92) Cornerback (10) Dee Alford (20) Mike Hughes (21) Clark Phillips III (22) A.J. Terrell (24) Mike Ford (28) Natrone Brooks (35) Cobee Bryant (37) Lamar Jackson (38) Keith Taylor (39) Dontae Manning (41) Safety (8) Josh Thompson (45) Jessie Bates III (3) DeMarcco Hellams (23) Jordan Fuller (27) Xavier Watts (31) Kevin King (32) Billy Bowman Jr. (33) Malik Verdon (43) Specialists (4) Younghoe Koo (6) Bradley Pinion (13) Lenny Krieg (46) Liam McCullough (49) This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons training camp: Updated roster with uniform numbers
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Falcons RB Bijan Robinson makes NFL.com's 'All-Under-25 Team' for 2025
There's a lot to like about the Atlanta Falcons as they prepare to report for training camp on July 23. While the team has some major question marks on defense, the Falcons offense is loaded. Michael Penix Jr. will take over at quarterback after a promising finish to the 2024 season, and there are plenty of pieces around him. Not only does Penix have a true No. 1 wide receiver in Drake London, but Atlanta's offensive line is one of the better units in the NFL. Darnell Mooney, Kyle Pitts and Ray-Ray McCloud each present a threat of their own, however, running back Bijan Robinson is the straw that stirs the drink. Advertisement The versatile playmaker finished third in the NFL with 1,456 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns last season. Plus, Robinson is a proven threat catching the ball out of the backfield (119 catches for 918 receiving yards in two NFL seasons). The former No. 8 overall draft pick was one of two running backs to make "All-Under-25 Team" for the 2025 season, along Jahmyr Gibbs of the Lions: While many kept their focus on Kirk Cousins in Atlanta last season, Robinson turned in an excellent campaign. He cleared his rookie total in rushing yards by nearly 500, finishing with 1,456 and 14 rushing scores. He also chipped in 61 catches for 431 yards and one touchdown and, most importantly, proved his first-round selection was not a reach. Since Robinson entered the NFL in 2023, he has forced 161 missed tackles on runs, more than anyone but Derrick Henry. Last season, Robinson led all players with 200-plus carries in rushing success rate, nearly cracking 50 percent, per Next Gen Stats, despite being a second-year pro in an offense led by a limited QB whose strengths as a signal-caller weren't maximized by the scheme anyway. Robinson has undoubtedly met the expectations that followed him into the league. -- Nick Shook, In many ways, the 2024 season was the year of the running back. Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry both produced MVP-caliber seasons, but that award is generally reserved for the NFL's top quarterback (even though Josh Allen won the award over Lamar Jackson last year). Robinson's all-around skill set is what makes him so tough to stop. Trying to bring the third-year back down in the open field has proven difficult for even the surest of tacklers. Don't be surprised if Robinson tops 2,000 all-purpose yards in 2025. Advertisement Check out our latest Falcons 53-man roster projection one week before training camp begins! This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons: Bijan Robinson makes 'All-Under-25 Team' for 2025
