Atlanta Falcons 2022 Training Camp Preview
The Atlanta Falcons are going into their second year with Head Coach Arthur Smith as their leader. He led the Falcons to a 7-10 record in 2021, finishing third in the NFC South. This was not a bad year, considering their roster has multiple holes on both sides of the ball. This will be Atlanta’s first year since 2008 without quarterback Matt Ryan because he left via trade. Although they do not have a definitive quarterback, they have integral pieces on offense and defense to continue to build around. Atlanta has generational talent tight end Kyle Pitts and skilled rookie wide receiver Drake London, as well as impressive young cornerback AJ Terrell and Pro Bowler defensive end Grady Jarrett. This article will take a look at the Atlanta Falcons as they head into their 2022 training camp.
3 Position Battles To Watch
Quarterback: Marcus Mariota, Desmond Ridder
This is a huge battle for the Falcons’ future, and, as of right now, Mariota is the favorite to win the job. Mariota, a former number 2 overall pick, was a backup quarterback to Derek Carr last year and has not been a starting QB since 2019. However, I think Mariota has more left in the tank, and he can still be a capable starter in the NFL. The Falcons drafted quarterback rookie Desmond Ridder from the University of Cincinnati in the 3rd round. He is a mobile QB with a good pocket presence and command of the field. He has the experience to try to push for the job right away, but without any outstanding skills, it might not be enough to take the job from Mariota. Mariota is a veteran with some mobility that will give the Falcons a different look than Matt Ryan.
Center: Matt Hennessy, Drew Dalman
It is no secret that the Atlanta Falcons had one of the worst offensive lines in the league last year. There are multiple position battles happening on the Atlanta offensive line, one at right tackle and one at center. I will focus on the battle taking place at center between Matt Hennessy and Drew Dalman. Hennessy was selected in the third round of the 2020 NFL draft, and he started all 17 games last year. Although he was not great, he at least has starting experience to build from heading into next year. His competition is Dalman, who is a fourth-round selection from the 2021 NFL draft. Dalman played all 17 games in his rookie year, but he did not start in any game. This job is completely open, and the Falcons need whoever wins the position to perform in 2022.
Linebacker: Rashaan Evans, Mykal Walker
Rashaan Evans was a nice pickup for the Titans over the offseason. This former first-round pick had four solid seasons for the Tennessee Titans, but they elected not to re-sign him. He is on a one-year contract this year, and he will look to demonstrate that he is a good starting linebacker that is deserving of a long-term contract. However, he will have some competition for the spot from Mykal Walker. Walker was a fourth-round pick that played solidly in his first two seasons. He has not flashed incredible talent, but showed that he can produce as a backup. This position battle is more to make Evans earn his spot on the Falcons, but a possible Evans and Deion Jones linebacker core could be effective.
Ready To Breakout: Drake London
Yes, even as a rookie, I think Drake London is ready to breakout. London has a few weaknesses, such as an inability to create big separation on routes and a lack of top-notch speed. However, this did not stop him from being the first wide receiver drafted in the 2022 NFL draft. The Falcons took the shot on him because he is a 6’4 behemoth that has elite jump ball skills. London is fantastic at using his body to bully defensive backs and linebackers at the catch point. He is poised for a breakout because he and tight end Kyle Pitts will receive a massive amount of targets. London and Pitts are extremely talented, and they will be an effective combo for the Falcons’ offense.
Rookie To Watch: Arnold Ebiketie
Arnold Ebiketie is a rookie to watch because he can be an effective pass rusher for the Falcons. This Penn State product is an explosive rusher with active hands, which he uses to beat offensive linemen. He is undersized and lacks strength against bigger blockers, but he uses speed and precision to make up for his shortcomings. He has a great motor, and he can be an effective piece for Atlanta. If Ebiketie can increase the Falcons’ pass rush, it will only make life easier for the Falcons’ underrated cornerback duo of AJ Terrell and Casey Heyward Jr.
Fantasy Sleeper: Bryan Edwards
Cordarrelle Patterson was an option here, but with Mariota at QB and the addition of running back Damien Williams, I am not sure where that puts Patterson’s potential. On the other hand, Bryan Edwards has the chance to be a wide receiver two for the Falcons, which provides some fantasy relevance. I think Edwards, who had a solid second year for the Raiders last season, is a better wide receiver than Olamide Zaccheaus. This means he can have a decent target share, and can take advantage of receiving less attention due to defenses focusing on London and Pitts. Edwards is a late-round sleeper that might turn out to have some fantasy potential as a home run swing boom or bust guy.
