The Atlanta Falcons wrapped up their third week of organized team activities on Thursday, and they will begin mandatory minicamp next week. While it’s unwise to overreact to what happens in June, there have been a few developments worth noting.
Deion Jones, Atlanta’s highest-paid player, has been out as he recovers from shoulder surgery. This has left one of the starting inside linebacker spots up for grabs between Mykal Walker, Troy Andersen and Nick Kwiatkoski.
Check out our updated Falcons starting lineup projections going into minicamp.
QB: Marcus Mariota
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Analysis: No change here. We will continue to roll with Marcus Mariota as Matt Ryan’s replacement going into minicamp. Rookie Desmond Ridder should also be in the mix, but he’ll have to show it on the field during the preseason to have a real chance at overtaking Mariota.
RB Cordarrelle Patterson
(AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
Analysis: Patterson won’t catch opposing teams by surprise this season, but the do-it-all RB/WR/KR should again be a focal point for the Falcons offense. In 2021, Patterson had over 1,100 combined rushing and receiving yards. He should be able to produce similar numbers but I expect Tyler Allgeier and some of the other backs to cut into his touchdown total in 2022.
TE: Kyle Pitts
(AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Analysis: Even with Drake London in the fold, Pitts will be Atlanta’s No. 1 receiving option just as he was last season. The former No. 4 overall pick was one of two Falcons players to go over 1,000 yards offensively, joining with Patterson. I expect Pitts to become a bigger red-zone threat in year two.
TE: Anthony Firkser
George Walker IV-USA TODAY Sports
Analysis: Firkser was an under-the-radar signing as the team needed to replace Hayden Hurst. In 2021, Firsker outperformed Hurst with 34 catches for…
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