1. Kaleb McGary
The best case for the Atlanta Falcons, Kaleb McGary shows up in the preseason as the player he was in 2022 and the offensive line is the strongest unit. This is the hope, however, it isn't the most likely way the season will play out. The career of McGary suggests that the level of production two years ago was the outlier and the rest is what McGary is moving forward.
Storm Norton is Atlanta's current fallback option. Norton made an appearance in the 2023 season when McGary was dealing with an injury. Norton appeared to be an upgrade in very limited action. It will be interesting to watch the tackle in camp and the preseason as he competes for the swing tackle role.
Kaleb McGary needs a great season not only because of protecting a less-than-mobile quarterback. This is the last season that the Falcons can't move off the deal they gave McGary on the heels of the aforementioned outlier season. Arguably the only big mistake that Terry Fontenot has made is when it comes to handing out extensions.
It wouldn't be at all shocking to see McGary finish the year on the bench and at this time next year wearing a new uniform.
2. Lorenzo Carter
Bralen Trice is going to be given every chance to win a starting role. Lorenzo Carter was a clear cap savings move before the Falcons completely failed to add to the position. Your biggest weakness and your answer is a day two draft pick with clear question marks.
Trice has given reason to believe he can be developed into a solid pass-rushing option but is far from a day-one contributor. However, if the Falcons believe there is a chance Trice will be a productive pass rusher in year one he will start. Carter's role and ability are clear at this point in his career.
The veteran is a great effort player who is going to play the run at a high level and set the edge. Getting the quarterback is going to be a rare result for Carter. Limited pass rush moves and a lack of elite speed limit his ceiling getting the quarterback.
Atlanta's management of the position compares to what the team did at receiver for three seasons under Arthur Smith. Content to simply sit back and hope someone defies the odds and carries an important position you chose to ignore. It is the biggest concern moving forward in Atlanta.
3. Troy Andersen
This is less about what Andersen has or hasn't done but due to his season-ending injury. Andersen hasn't lost his job to injury yet, but Nate Landman was extremely impressive in his development and early contributions to Atlanta. This is a positional battle that has the chance to surprise fans with Andersen heading back to the bench.
Andersen is a bit slower while Landman offers just a bit more flexibility. You have JD Bertrand competing at the position as well for playing time. It is a rotation to keep an eye on early in camp and the preseason.
4. DeMarcco Hellams
How highly do the Atlanta Falcons think of Hellams? The offseason suggests that the second-year player has the team's full belief. However, this is the same front office that has failed to fix the edge position and believes fully in Desmond Ridder and Marcus Mariota. Their judgment has been inconsistent at best.
Richie Grant remains on the roster and there are multiple veterans that would fit in well alongside Jessie Bates still sitting in free agency. Hellams was solid in his rookie season but there is reason to question his ability to be a starter long term for this defense.
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