July 11, 2026, 2:00 p.m. ET

Heading into the 2026 NFL season, the Atlanta Falcons have a pretty well-balanced roster, with a solid core of young players that could give them a Super Bowl window – if they could just find their franchise quarterback.

Let’s break down which position groups are the strongest and the weakest for this team going into training camp. Here’s how they rank from best to worst.

1. Running back

It’s not difficult to see where the Falcons are the most potent on the field these days. Bijan Robinson gives them a supremely-athletic playmaker that no other team in the NFL can match right now at this position. Adding Brian Robinson to back him up just makes them that much better, but this depth chart is most accurately described as Bijan, Bijan and more Bijan – and that’s just fine.

2. Offensive line

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The Falcons have lost right tackle Kaleb McGary to retirement, but otherwise they are returning all of their 2025 starters along the offensive line. Left tackle Jake Matthews is still going strong 12 years after entering the league, left guard Matthew Bergeron is entering his prime, Ryan Neuzil gives them a respectable center and Chris Lindstrom is a superstar at right guard. If Jawaan Taylor or Wanya Morris can serve as a solid replacement at right tackle, there will be no holes up front – and Bill Callahan should have this unit performing better than ever.

3. Secondary

Atlanta’s defensive backfield is equally impressive with the same solid continuity dynamic going on. The only weak link in this chain is veteran cornerback Mike Hughes. To keep his spot he will have to compete with the team’s top draft pick, A.J. Terrell’s younger brother Avieon out of Clemson. Meanwhile, Jessie Bates III and Xavier Watts gives the Falcons one of the NFL’s best safety duos.

4. Tight end

There was some trade chatter surrounding Kyle Pitts going into the NFL Draft, but the Falcons elected to keep him – and sign him to a lucrative contract extension. Pitts gives Atlanta a top-five playmaker at the position when he’s healthy, and the returning veteran Austin Hooper gives them some more valuable experience further down the depth chart.

5. Edge

We won’t know exactly how strong this group is until the league offices decides how long to suspend James Pearce Jr., but at full strength this is a very promising rotation. Jalon Walker is a strong breakout candidate after a promising rookie season, and incoming free agents Azeez Ojulari, Samson Ebukam, Cameron Thomas and Keshawn Banks provide experienced backup options. Bralen Trice may give them another high-impact performer when he debuts.

6. Wide receiver

Drake London gives Atlanta an excellent WR1 with about as much potential as it gets at this spot. However, the rest of the unit is lacking in quality second and third options. Jahan Dotson has disappointed since his rookie season, rookie Zachariah Branch will likely need time to get adjusted (and add some pounds in the weight room) and Olamide Zaccheaus is likely only around because Matt Ryan has his phone number.

7. Linebacker

Divine Deablo put in a great season in his first year with a lot of playing time. However, like wide receiver there’s not much depth to speak of at this spot. How well newcomer Christian Harris does could wind up being a huge x-factor for the Falcons defense. Rookies Kendal Daniels and Harold Perkins Jr. are as-yet unproven, as well.

8. Interior defensive line

After barely playing as a rookie, Brandon Dorlus is coming off a strong breakout season (8.5 sacks, 11 QB hits, 11 TFL). In the absence of David Onyemata the Falcons need other interior linemen to step up, though. One hopeful is veteran Da’Shawn Hand, who has impressed his position coach enough to earn a nickname, already. This is another position where the Falcons could use more firepower, though.

9. Quarterback

You never want to see the most-important position in the game as your team’s weakest unit, but that’s just the way it is for the Falcons right now. Signing Tua Tagovailoa to a one-year veteran minimum deal at least gives the Falcons a high-ceiling option should Michael Penix continue to struggle with accuracy and progressions. If both fail in 2026, it may be time to start over from scratch at quarterback.