Falcons 53-man roster projection: Part III

Grady Jarrett | David Onyemata | Ta’Quon Graham | Zach Harrison | Eddie Goldman | Kentavius Street | Ruke Orhorhoro | Brandon Dorlus

Will called Tori crazy for keeping eight defensive linemen. Then, he did the same. Now, I am, too. So, I guess we’re all crazy on the editorial team. But seriously, who of these eight could be cut? If I had to choose, I guess I’d go with either Eddie Goldman or Kentavius Street. Only, I can’t justify cutting one over the other. They both impressed throughout the preseason, especially on the scrimmage day. Therefore, they both deserve to stay. Neither played against the Baltimore Ravens, either, which also makes me think they’re safe since that’s when the approach shifted to sitting those who had proven enough already.

A release I didn’t want to make but ultimately did was Zion Logue. He’s the only draft pick who didn’t make the cut. Unlike the others, including fellow sixth-rounders McClellan and Washington, I rarely ever heard his name, which speaks volumes.

Matthew Judon | Lorenzo Carter | Arnold Ebiketie | James Smith-Williams | DeAngelo Malone

The reason I nixed Blair among the wide receivers was to add DeAngelo Malone here, something neither Tori nor Will did. The other four names above were no-doubters. Malone, though, won the advantage over Blair in a late internal debate because Malone is a better save for special teams. He had a team-high six tackles in special teams coverage. I think special teams coordinator Marquice Williams earns this over offensive coordinator Zac Robinson.

After Bralen Trice was placed on injured reserve, Demone Harris and Bradlee Anae started showing out. Issue is, it was a little too late. Because when the Falcons signed Matthew Judon, that opportunity to step up was shut down. Anae was among the first 13 players the team released Sunday.

Kaden Elliss | Troy Andersen | Nate Landman | JD Bertrand

Was there ever any doubt? What will be interesting, though, is whether Kaden Elliss (groin) and Nate Landman (quad) are good to go health-wise by Week 1. Both are nursing injuries sustained later in the preseason, and neither played a single exhibition snap.

Morris said after Friday’s preseason game they’re both day-to-day. Elliss had suited up for warmups with the rest of the team, but Landman did not….