Examining three position battles to keep an eye on during Falcons training camp

Even though we’ve reached the slowest period of the NFL offseason, training camp is just around the corner. The Atlanta Falcons will report to their Flowery Branch facility on July 23 and hold their first practice on July 24. While the team is pretty much set on offense, there are a few positions up for grabs on defense as camp approaches.

The Falcons have new faces at all three levels of their defense, including three rookies with a chance to start this season. Here’s a look at three position battles to keep an eye on when the team reports for training camp.

Safety: Jordan Fuller vs. Xavier Watts

The Falcons did not re-sign veteran Justin Simmons in free agency, leaving a vacancy at the other safety spot next to Jessie Bates. Instead, the team signed safety Jordan Fuller to a one-year, $1.2 million contract. Fuller has familiarity with head coach Raheem Morris, starting for the Rams during their Super Bowl run in 2021. The 27-year-old has started 57 career games since 2020.

Atlanta also selected safety Xavier Watts in the third round of the draft. Watts recorded six interceptions while not allowing a single touchdown last season at Notre Dame. If he can improve as a tackler, there’s a good shot he can overtake Fuller on the depth chart this season. Don’t be surprised to see Fuller start in Week 1, though.

LB: Divine Deablo vs. Troy Andersen

This is another interesting one. Deablo, a relatively unknown talent, signed with the Falcons as a free agent. Fans weren’t sure if the team signed Deablo to start at inside linebacker or merely to add depth. However, the former third-round pick has impressed the coaching staff thus far. Morris has even suggested Deablo may wear the green dot this season. Former second-round pick Troy Andersen remains in the mix for the other starting inside linebacker job.

When healthy, Andersen has shown a ton of promise. However, he’s only appeared in 26 games over three seasons. In Week 4, Andersen recorded 16 tackles and a pick-six to win NFC Defensive Player of the Week but was placed on the season-ending injured reserve list due to a knee injury. Deablo looks like the favorite, but Andersen’s immense upside gives him a chance to start.

DL: Ruke Orhorhoro vs. Morgan Fox

The Falcons’ entire defensive line could potentially be on this list. Aside from veteran defensive tackle David Onyemata, it’s unclear who will start at the other two spots. Right now, we’ve got Zach Harrison penciled in for one of these jobs, with second-year defensive lineman Ruke Orhorhoro and veteran Morgan Fox battling it out for the other spot. Fox, 30, signed with the Falcons as a free agent. He has spent most of his career as a versatile backup, appearing in 120 games (34 starts) since entering the league in 2016.

Orhorhoro was a healthy scratch for the first four games of the 2024 season. The rookie played well enough when he was out there but suffered an ankle injury in Week 8. Ideally, the former Clemson standout will serve as the long-term replacement for Grady Jarrett. After all, the team traded up to select Orhorhoro with the 35th overall pick in the 2024 draft.

– Check out our latest Falcons 53-man roster projection ahead of training camp