When new Atlanta Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham took over in January, he was faced with no first-round draft pick in the upcoming draft and limited salary cap space to improve the team.
With that in mind, Cunningham stated one of his main goals for the 2026 version of the Falcons was to raise the floor of the team. In essence, this means getting better depth and talent on the back end of the roster for a team that has been top-heavy the last several seasons.
After the Falcons’ second-and-third-teamers went out and dominated the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday, it appears Cunningham’s goal of improving the depth has been achieved.
In doing so, the Falcons have created much more competitive roster battles at nearly every position, making it harder to predict a 53-man roster. We’ve made some changes from our predictions at the start of camp, some forced due to injury, some based on merit.
After nearly a month of training camp and two preseason games, here’s how we see it, including players on the bubble.
Quarterback (3)
Michael Penix Jr., Tua Tagovailoa, Jack Strand
We had Strand on the roster before the start of camp, and he’s done nothing but solidify his spot since. Penix was cleared for 11v11 this week, but he hasn’t been cleared for full contact yet. It would be a surprise if he plays against the Dolphins on Friday.
Bubble In: Jack Strand
Bubble Out: Cooper Rush
Running Back (4)
Bijan Robinson, Brian Robinson Jr., Tyler Goodson, Cash Jones
Tyler Goodson looks to have solidified his claim to the No. 3 running back spot over Nate Carter. We originally had Jones on the roster at wide receiver, but he’s been getting more action at running back since camp started. That versatility of being able to play slot, running back, and special teams earns him a spot.
Bubble In: Cash Jones
Bubble Out: Nate Carter
Wide Receiver (5)
Drake London, Jahan Dotson, Olamide Zacceaus, Zachariah Branch, Chris Blair
The first four names at wide receiver are written in Sharpie. Blair has been the best of the rest and should get the nod for the fifth wide receiver. The Falcons kept seven wide receivers last year, but they can probably get away with using several of the bubble players on the practice squad and elevating them as needed during the regular season.
Bubble In: Chris Blair
Bubble Out: Dylan Drummond, Juice Wells, Vinny Anthony, Beaux Collins
Tight End (3)
Kyle Pitts Sr., Charlie Woerner, Austin Hooper
The first three are pretty straightforward. Atlanta could decide to take a fourth tight end, but they could also treat the position like wide receiver and stack several on the practice squad. Joshua Simon, Jack Velling, and Nick Muse have all played well at times during the preseason, and there’s little risk they’d be picked up on waivers if cut.
Bubble In: None
Bubble Out: Joshua Simon
Offensive Line (9)
Jake Matthews, Matthew Bergeron, Ryan Neuzil, Chris Lindstrom, Jawaan Taylor, Wanya Morris, Kyle Hinton, Michael Jerrell, Corey Levin
Kyle Hinton and Michael Jerrell look safe as primary backups at several positions. Wanya Morris was set to be the swing tackle, but Jerrell has occupied that spot, leaving Morris vulnerable to a cut. Levin appears to be ahead of undrafted free agent James Brockermeyer. There’s little chance seventh-round pick Ethan Onianwa would be claimed if cut, so the Falcons can re-sign him to the practice squad.
Bubble In: Corey Levin, Wanya Morris
Bubble Out: Ethan Onianwa, James Brockermeyer
Defensive Line (6)
Brandon Dorlus, Zach Harrison, Da’Shawn Hand, LaCale London, Maason Smith, Carlos Allen Jr.
The first five names on this list look safe. The Falcons only kept five defensive linemen last year, and it’s doubtful they make that mistake again. Carlos Allen Jr. has been a menace the last few weeks at camp, and he deserves a spot. Chris Williams got $2 million in free agency, and it’s hard not to see him on the roster, but it’s a possibility.
Bubble In: Carlos Allen Jr.
Bubble Out: Chris Williams
Edge Rusher (6)
Samson Ebukam, Cam Thomas, Za’Darius Smith, Cameron Sample, Azeez Ojulari, Bralen Trice
The edge room has a whole new look. None of the names above have played a down for the Falcons. It’s a bigger group with the addition of Thomas, Smith, and Sample. Thomas has the ability to put his hand down on the defensive line, while Ebukam and Smith are the best pure pass rushers.
This unit lacks the burst of last year, with Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. missing half the season, but they’ll be better against the run.
Keshawn Banks has looked better than Ojulari in preseason games, but it might be enough to get him on the 53. Trice has missed the last two seasons with injury, and he’s missed the last two weeks with another undisclosed ailment. If he’s not back on the field soon, he could be a PUP candidate to start the year.
Bubble In: Azeez Ojulari, Bralen Trice
Bubble Out: Keshawn Banks
Linebacker (4)
Divine Deablo, Christian Harris, Kendal Daniels, Harold Perkins Jr.
The choices on defense are considerably harder this year, but linebacker is the one position that’s relatively easy. Harris is penciled in as a starter next to Deablo, but he’s getting pushed hard by Daniels. Perkins will find his snaps in reserve and on special teams. The only wrench in the works would be if the Falcons decide to keep five linebackers.
Bubble In: None
Bubble Out: Channing Tindall
Safety (4)
Jessie Bates III, Xavier Watts, DeMarcco Hellams, Sydney Brown
Bates and Watts form arguably the best safety tandem in the NFL. Hellams has done enough to warrant a backup and special-teams role, and Brown has nickel/safety versatility that should make him safe.
Bubble In: DeMarcco Hellams, Sydney Brown
Bubble Out: Natrone Brooks, Jammie Robinson
Cornerback (6)
A.J. Terrell, Mike Hughes, Avieon Terrell, Darnay Holmes, Clark Phillips III, Cobee Bryant
Cornerback might be the hardest position to project for the Falcons, and that’s not necessarily a good thing. Atlanta spent a second-round pick on Avieon Terrell, but the room is still thin. Holmes is one of several players getting snaps with the first team at nickel, so he’s likely safe.
After that, Phillips and Bryant could be displaced by C.J. Henderson and/or Malcolm DeWalt IV. A.J. Woods has also taken reps with the first team at nickel, but he could be on the outside looking in.
Specialists (3)
Nick Folk, Jake Bailey, Liam McCullough
This one is easy. Folk and Bailey have looked like massive upgrades at kicker and punter, respectively. Folk banged through a pair of 50-yard field goals against the Colts, and Bailey hit a 58-yard punt inside the five. If Folk was the kicker on this team the last two seasons, the Falcons might have made the playoffs both years.
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