5 biggest weaknesses Falcons have to address in 2024 training camp

Atlanta Falcons OTA Offseason Workout - Source: Getty
Atlanta Falcons OTA Offseason Workout - Source: Getty

The Atlanta Falcons, based on their offense, look like the favorites to clinch the NFC South. They have an amazing quarterback duo of Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr.; a monstrous running back tandem of Tyler Allgeier and Bijan Robinson, and a lethal receiving corps of Drake London, Darnell Mooney, Rondale Moore, and tight end Kyle Pitts.

But there are certain areas that need to be addressed in camp before they can consider themselves well on the way to that goal like...


5) Backup tight end

Atlanta Falcons v Carolina Panthers - Source: Getty
Atlanta Falcons v Carolina Panthers - Source: Getty

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The Falcons' decision to release Jonnu Smith is a very puzzling one.

Despite playing backup to Kyle Pitts, he somehow had his best performance, tallying a 50 catches for 582 yards - both career-highs - and ranking in the top three tight ends for yards after a catch. That led the Miami Dolphins to take their chances and sign him as a complement to blocker Durham Smythe.

Who are Smith's replacements? Former 49ers Charlie Woerner and Ross Dwelley. The former, who is returning to his birth state, is set to have an expanded blocking role; but neither figures to be the dynamic secondary pass-catcher that fans want from their position.

4) Center

Atlanta Falcons v New York Giants - Source: Getty
Atlanta Falcons v New York Giants - Source: Getty

Jake Matthews is among the longest-serving left tackles in NFL history. Chris Lindstrom is one of the best guards in recent memory. Kaleb McGary and Matthew Bergeron have also established themselves as starters.

But there is one position that needs bolstering: center. As of now, only Drew Salman is listed, as Matt Hennessy left to challenge Cam Jurgens for the right to succeed Jason Kelce in Philadelphia.

Fortunately, there are available players at that position, like Connor McGovern and Mason Cole.

3) Defensive end

Tampa Bay Buccaneers v Atlanta Falcons - Source: Getty
Tampa Bay Buccaneers v Atlanta Falcons - Source: Getty

Grady Jarrett has been the defensive leader of the Falcons ever since they drafted him in the fifth round in 2015. When healthy, he has been monstrous, racking up tackle after tackle and sack after sack.

But last season, he stopped being healthy halfway through, tearing his ACL. That was a major reason why they traded for Kentavius Street. They could use more depth, though.

2) Secondary

New Orleans Saints v Atlanta Falcons - Source: Getty
New Orleans Saints v Atlanta Falcons - Source: Getty

The Falcons found a gem when they managed to nab Jessie Bates in free agency during the 2023 offseason. He became a first-time Pro Bowler and made the All-Pro team, just the second defensive back in franchise history to do so after cornerback AJ Terrell.

Those two figure to be the faces of the Atlanta secondary, but more work needs to be done.

1) Linebacker

Atlanta Falcons v Carolina Panthers - Source: Getty
Atlanta Falcons v Carolina Panthers - Source: Getty

Kaden Elliss has had quite the meteoric rise since being drafted in the seventh round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Initially a mere rotation player, he rose to become a starter by the time of his final season as a New Orleans Saint, a role that he retained after joining its biggest divisional rivals.

But his exploits are still a far cry from when Pro Bowlers Vic Beasley and Deion Jones terrorized offenses back in 2016 and 2017. So Terry Fontenot could use an impact signing at the position like, say, Shaquille Leonard.

Falcons Nation! Check out the latest Atlanta Falcons Schedule and dive into the latest Falcons Depth Chart for NFL Season 2024-25.

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Edited by Debasish
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