Training camp is in full swing, and with each passing practice, we get more tangible information to sink our teeth into. Nothing is more delicious than the first depth chart of the preseason.

Let’s start with the area that matters the most (to me), special teams!

As expected, Jamal Agnew is currently holding down the return position, as he leads both the kick return and punt return sections of the depth chart. Behind him is Ray-Ray McCloud. McCloud has taken on these duties in the past, but after a 2024 season that saw his offensive role increase, the team seemed to want to lessen his load over the course of the season. McCloud is valuable, but was stretched thin, and that can lead to mistakes like his fumble against the Minnesota Vikings. Seeing how the team manages him in 2025 will be interesting.

It may have started as a competition, but by all accounts, Younghoe Koo is firmly in the driver’s seat to maintain his starting gig, and that is unlikely to change. This was one of the three storylines I highlighted last month, and I noted that Koo winning (based on merit) was the best outcome for the team. Lenny Krieg can work on his craft while not counting against the official practice squad, and the team has a succession plan for the future.

There’s a youth movement on defense

The Falcons have made a lot of investments on the defensive side of the ball, and it appears that momentum is building for these players. 7/11 listed backups are either in the first or second year of their rookie deals. Ruke Orhorhoro is listed as a starter with Brandon Dorlus right behind him; both are above veterans Morgan Fox and Kentavius Street. Jordan Fuller and Dee Alford are holding off the Day 2 tandem of Xavier Watts and Billy Bowman Jr., but for how long?

Admittedly, it is frustrating to see Zach Harrison listed as a backup, but this is only the preseason depth chart, and the staff has preached that rotations will be happening often. Let’s just hope they keep their word this year.

Lamar Jackson, listed as the immediate backup to A.J. Terrell, is the biggest surprise. Before camp started, few realized that the corner was even on the team, but he quickly made his presence known and has won favor with the staff early. Mike Ford at nickel corner back was also a bit of a surprise, as was Natrone Brooks listed on the outside. However, this goes back to a comment I made about not buying into Clark Phillips’ nickel hype, the nickels on this team are going to have to play the run, and Phillips and Brooks are two of the smaller DBs on the team.

Things seem to be shaking out as expected. The bottom of the WR room is going to be a tight race, with David Sills, Casey Washington, D.J. Chark, and Chris Blair rounding out the room (Agnew will likely be safe due to his special teams contributions). This is the position group that will have my attention in the first preseason game.

Teagan Quitoriano appears to be the lead for TE3. He is currently listed behind Charlie Woerner while Feleipe Franks is behind Kyle Pitts. The Falcons need a legitimate blocking TE behind Woerner. The team had no answer for when he went down last year, and I am not convinced of Franks’ ability to fill that void. Quitoriano could be a nice offseason gem of an addition if he’s able to stay healthy.

Jovaughn Gwyn and Joshua Gray are battling it out for the reserve center role. Gwyn hasn’t shown much in his Falcons tenure, but winning this role would be big for his future job prospects in this league. The team could still add a veteran center after final cuts, but they would much rather find the answer internally.

Things are starting to come into form, but there’s still a way to go before an official depth chart is dropped. What stood out to you when looking over the first depth chart of the preseason?