53-man roster projection ahead of cut deadline

Our final attempt at predicting the Falcons’ 53-man roster ahead of Tuesday’s deadline.

The Atlanta Falcons have two days to trim their roster down to 53 players before the NFL deadline. The team got an early start on Sunday by releasing 12 players and placing another on the injured reserve list. The Falcons have a few other players dealing with injuries, including right tackle Kaleb McGary.

Head coach Raheem Morris said he anticipates McGary opening the season on the injured reserve list, leaving a hole at right tackle. With Storm Norton also set to miss time, the team will look to backup Elijah Wilkinson to fill in early in the season.

Wilkinson’s new role helped him land a spot in our final Falcons 53-man roster projection. Check out our full roster projection ahead of Tuesday’s cut deadline below.

Quarterbacks (3)Michael Penix Jr.Kirk CousinsEaston Stick

We have Stick making the team after a strong preseason. Plus, the uncertainty around Kirk Cousins’ future pretty much guarantees that the Falcons will keep three quarterbacks. Atlanta cut fourth-string QB Ben DiNucci on Saturday, so it will be Penix, Cousins and Stick in the quarterback room this season.

Running Backs (3)Bijan RobinsonTyler AllgeierNate Carter

This was a tough one as well. Carlos Washington Jr. has the experience advantage, but his uncertain health status along with the emergence of undrafted rookie Nate Carter in the preseason changed my mind. Carter, a standout at Michigan State, was the most effective of Atlanta’s running backs in three preseason games. Considering the strength of Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier, the team can afford to take a chance on Carter as RB3.

Wide Receivers (6)Drake LondonDarnell MooneyRay-Ray McCloudKhaDarel HodgeJamal AgnewChris Blair

This was by far the hardest position to trim down. The competition for the fifth and sixth wide receiver spots has been extremely close, plus the injury to Darnell Mooney adds to the uncertainty. Chris Blair, David Sills, Casey Washington, Dylan Drummond and Nick Nash each made a strong case to make the team. If Mooney were to begin the year on IR, I would shift Casey Washington to his spot. I think Blair’s production in the preseason over the last two years was the difference for that final spot, although I considered Nash as well.

Tight Ends (3)Kyle PittsCharlie WoernerTeagan Quitoriano

Despite an impressive performance by Franks in the preseason finale, we went with veteran Teagan Quitoriano for that third tight end spot. Quitoriano’s experience should give him an advantage, although I’m not ruling out the team keeping four tight ends due to the injuries along the offensive line.

Offensive Linemen (8)Jake MatthewsMatthew BergeronRyan NeuzilChris LindstromJovaughn GwynKyle HintonElijah WilkinsonJack Nelson (Rookie)

Here’s where it starts to get tricky. Both McGary and Norton are unlikely to be on the 53-man roster to open the season. I initially had Brandon Parker in that final spot, but I think the Falcons will keep seventh-round pick Jack Nelson for his developmental upside. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if the team prefers Parker’s experience.

Defensive Linemen (7)David OnyemataRuke OrhorhoroZach HarrisonTa’Quon GrahamBrandon DorlusKentavius StreetLaCale London

The Falcons released Morgan Fox on Saturday, which was a bit of a surprise. However, the team’s young talent, including Zach Harrison, Brandon Dorlus and Ta’Quon Graham, made Fox expendable. I also think veterans Kentavius Street and LaCale London make the opening 53-man roster.

EDGE (6)Arnold EbiketieJalon Walker (Rookie)James Pearce Jr. (Rookie)Leonard FloydBralen TriceKhalid Kareem

The Falcons have an edge group with a ton of upside. Ebiketie and Floyd are listed as the team’s starters, while first-round picks Jalon Walker and James Pearce figure to play major roles this season. Bralen Trice, a former third-round pick, should make the team, but I wouldn’t say he’s a lock.

Inside Linebackers (4)

The Falcons have yet to activate linebacker Troy Andersen, and while it’s possible he’s activated on Tuesday, I think it’s more likely that he starts the year on injured reserve. Meanwhile, Josh Woods has been terrific throughout the preseason. Bertrand hasn’t looked great, but the team is somewhat thin at the position.

Cornerbacks (6)A.J. TerrellMike HughesDee AlfordClark Phillips IIIBilly Bowman (Rookie)Natrone Brooks

While fans had high hopes for undrafted free agent Cobee Bryant, Natrone Brooks has played himself onto the roster in my opinion. Bryant will surely make the practice squad, assuming he isn’t signed by another team. Rookie Billy Bowman has a shot to start in the slot this season.

Safeties (4)Jessie Bates IIIJordan FullerXavier Watts (Rookie)DeMarcco Hellams

This was one of the easier ones, since Jessie Bates, Xavier Watts and DeMarcco Hellams feel like locks. Jordan Fuller is listed as the starting strong safety on the depth chart, so I can’t see him being cut either.

Special Teams (3)K: Younghoe KooP: Bradley PinionLS: Liam McCullough

Last but not least, Koo officially wins the kicker battle with Lenny Krieg. The former Pro Bowl kicker had a solid preseason and looks healthy and refreshed heading into Week 1.