Atlanta Falcons 2024 NFL Training Camp Preview

Atlanta Falcons 2024 NFL Training Camp Preview

The 2024 NFL season is right around the corner! The Atlanta Falcons will have new faces on the sideline with Raheem Morris and behind center after signing quarterback Kirk Cousins to a massive four-year deal. Atlanta may have a questionable draft, but they have the inside track to winning the NFC South for the first time since 2016. Without further ado, let’s dive into their 2024 training camp preview!

Three Position Battles To Watch:

CB2: Clark Phillips, Antonio Hamilton, Kevin King

One of the biggest battles the Falcons will have heading into training camp will be who solidifies the second corner spot opposite A.J. Terrell. There’s also a battle in the slot, but we’ll focus on the outside for now. There are multiple intriguing options with Phillips–their fourth-round pick in 2023–Hamilton and King, who signed a one-year deal in April. Though he’s missed the last two seasons with a torn Achilles, which I think they will be cautious with. Hamilton and Phillips both have experience as a starter, so I wouldn’t be surprised if either got the job in the end.

QB2: Michael Penix Jr., Taylor Heinicke

Call me crazy, but it’s not crazy that Penix is the second-string quarterback by the time the season starts. Heinicke’s been a journeyman throughout his six-year career with Houston, Carolina, Washington and Atlanta. He’s completed 62.5 percent of his passes for 6,635 yards and 39 touchdowns (to 28 interceptions … eek!) with three additional scores on the ground. Penix may ultimately get the nod because of how talented he is, but it’s not set-in-stone.

DL: Everyone behind Grady Jarrett and David Onyemata

We know that Jarrett and Onyemata will be the two starters at the defensive tackle positions. The questions lies behind them–where Ta’Quon Graham plus rookies Ruke Orhorhoro and Zion Logue are all competing for the position, among others. They’ll also have Eddie Goldman, who hasn’t taken a snap in two years, in the building as a possible mentor for their young talent. We’ll see who cracks the defensive line rotation–or even makes their way as a starter down the line–with plenty of names who could contribute.

Rookie To Watch: Bralen Trice, OLB

Trice was selected No. 74 overall by the Falcons in the 2024 NFL Draft. I’m not sure he will start right away as an outside backer, with Lorenzo Carter and Arnold Ebiketie getting those nods, but I think Trice could have an immediate role in Atlanta’s defense. He accumulated 28.5 sacks in three seasons at Washington and drew rave reviews in OTAs. Atlanta’s draft may have gotten off to a poor start, and I don’t think their defense is all that talented, but I still think Trice could pop as a rookie.

Ready to Breakout: Kyle Pitts, TE

I don’t have to convince you–Garrett and Trey already have. New offensive coordinator Zac Robinson will lean more into the aerial attack than Arthur Smith did. Kyle Pitts has found the endzone six times in 44 career games. I wouldn’t be surprised if he eclipses that mark in 2024 alone, should he stay healthy. He’s always been an intriguing fantasy pick, but I think he’s ready to break out this year with a better passing attack around him.

Why 2024 Will Be The Kyle Pitts Breakout Season

Fantasy Sleeper: Darnell Mooney, WR

Mooney, graded just barely inside Fantasy Pros’ top-70 wide receiver rankings, isn’t a sexy pick, but he has a clear path of being the No. 2 wideout and potentially the third-best pass-catcher. Cousins elevates this offense’s floor and Mooney still saw production in Chicago despite the offense being very run-heavy. I don’t expect that to be the trend in Atlanta with Cousins, so I think Mooney–who’s caught 213 career passes for 2,593 yards and 11 touchdowns in four seasons–could see moderate volume.

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