Projecting Falcons Defensive Depth Chart Where Doe

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The Atlanta Falcons have struggled preventing opponents from scoring points the last several years but have added plenty of fresh faces. Here's a look at how the new additions fit into the depth chart.EDGE/Outside Linebacker:EDGE1: Lorenzo CarterEDGE2: Arnold EbiketieEDGE3: DeAngelo MalonePerhaps the most intriguing unit on the defensive side of the ball is this one, with three new Francisco Mejia Jersey faces and moderate expectations. The Falcons had the fewest sacks in the NFL last year, and completely rebuilt its edge rush room. Carter closed his four-year tenure with the New York Giants strong, posting all five of his sacks last season in the final four games. Atlanta will be hoping the former Georgia Bulldog can carry this form into 2022. and Malone, a pair of day two picks, offer high-end athleticism and college production, though the degree to which they contribute in year one is uncertain.Regardle s, the Falcons added young talents with upside and a track record of succe s, making this a position group to watch moving forward.Defensive End:DE1: TaQuon GrahamDE2: Adetokunbo OgundejiTwo day three picks from the new regimes first draft make up the defensive end group, though its largely dependent on the front Atlantas in. With defensive coordinator Dean Pees largely running a 3-4 scheme, Grahams size (6-4, 293-pounds) projects favorably to defensive end. He flashed down the stretch of his rookie season, and should be given a chance to establish himself as a starter in 2022.Ogundeji could just as easily be slotted into the EDGE group, but hes much better working forward rather than dropping into coverage. At 6-4, 268-pounds, Ogundeji is best served as a 4-3 defensive end, but, like Graham, flashed throughout his rookie season.Day Miguel Diaz Jersey three picks typically arent expected to be early contributors. After a year of rotational work, Graham and Ogundeji will be given a larger role in their second seasons. The Falcons need at least one to turn those rookie season flashes into consistency, and if that occurs, it sets the future of the defensive line up nicely.Defensive Tackle:DT1: Grady JarrettDT2: Marlon DavidsonDT3: Vincent TaylorGrady Jarrett has been a star in Atlanta for years, and was . Hes been a rock throughout a turbulent last few years for the Falcons, and has a serted himself as one of the leaders of the team. Expect another disruptive season from the 29-year-old.Davidson, a third-year pro out of Auburn, has had spurts of good play, but nagging injuries have slowed his development. He showed up to camp looking linear, which may signal a move to defensive end. Nonethele s, this feels like an important season for Davidson to prove he Manny Machado Jersey belongs in the league. this offseason after he spent the 2021 season in Houston, playing in just one game before succumbing to an ankle injury. Hes never played a full season, and will largely be on the team for rotational purposes; his roster spot isnt guaranteed.Nose Tackle:NT1: Anthony RushRush will face competition in training camp from , but his impre sive closing stretch last season, which featured six starts acro s 10 appearances, will ultimately be enough to keep him on the team. At 6-5, 350-pounds, Rush has the ideal frame for a nose tackle, and can really clog lanes.Linebacker:LB1: Rashaan EvansLB2: Mykal WalkerLB3: Nick KwiatkoskiScroll to ContinueLB4: Troy AndersenLB5: Dorian EtheridgeTheres a big name mi sing here: Deion Jones. Throughout the offseason, Falcons Head Coach Arthur Smith has failed to mention Jones when discu sing the linebacker core. While Jones had tremendous production in 2021 with 137 total tackles and eight tackles-for-lo s, he struggled taking on blocks and filling gaps in the manner Pees needs from his linebackers. The date to remember for Jones is June 1st, when his cap savings goes from $9.3 million to $14.7 million, and dead money from $10.6 million to $5.3 million.Evans, a former first round pick of the Tenne see Titans who signed with Atlanta this offseason, played under Pees in Tenne see, and will be looking to rejuvenate his career. Matt Szczur Jersey Walker has flashed throughout his career despite a relatively low snap count, but he should have a chance to step into a larger role.Andersen is an athletic freak with , but may require a bit of a redshirt year, adjusting from the FCS to the NFL while also still learning the linebacker position. Etheridge, a 2021 UDFA, spent much of last season in Atlantas building, and offers special teams ability.Cornerback:CB1: A.J. TerrellCB2: Casey HaywardCB3: Isaiah OliverCB4: Darren HallCB5:Avery Williams , and Hayward, a two-time Pro Bowler, are poised to form one of the best corner duos in franchise history. Oliver was off to a nice start at nickel last season before suffering a season-ending knee injury in week three; if he returns to full health, the Falcons top three corners have a chance to dominate.Hall and Williams saw more snaps last year than many would have preferred out of day three rookies. Hall had some bright spots, especially in the nickel against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and Williams will handle all return duties; hes an outstanding special teams player. The Falcons often use their safeties in the slot, as well, and Richie Grant in particular may see lots of work.The secondary, and the corners in particular, appear to be the teams strongest unit on paper.Free Safety:FS1: Erik HarrisFS2: Richie GrantHarris is a pros pro, and a great locker room presence. He started all 12 games in which he appeared in for the Falcons last season, totaling 64 tackles and eight pa ses defended. Hes an invaluable resource for Atlantas young players.Grant, the Falcons second-round pick in 2021, saw significant action at nickel corner last season, but at free safety this year. Hes a rangy player who can really cover, but mi sed too many tackles last season. As he develops physically, he should only get better.Strong Safety:SS1: Jaylinn HawkinsSS2: Dean MarloweDuron Harmon started all 17 games here a season ago, but hes no longer in the picture. That creates an opportunity for third-year pro Jaylinn Hawkins, a four-game starter last year, to establish himself as a legitimate piece for Atlanta moving forward. He had two interceptions, three pa ses defended, and 24 total tackles acro s 14 appearances. after one season in Detroit, in which he started nine of the 16 Jake Cronenworth Jersey games he appeared in. Marlowe had 67 total tackles and two pa ses defended. Hes primarily been a rotational piece throughout his career, and that is likely to continue in 2022.Here, Atlanta has 24