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The Atlanta Falcons ended the Ruke Orhorhoro experiment on Friday, trading the former second-round pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for defensive tackle Maason Smith. With the 2026 NFL Draft less than a week away, we thought it would be a good time for some pre-draft starting lineup projections.
Smith was not a starter for the Jaguars and had largely fallen out of the rotation by the end of the season, however, a fresh start and new role could help the former LSU standout turn his career around in Atlanta.
The Falcons had a need at nose tackle, and while we still expect them to target a DT in the draft, this trade makes it so they won't have to reach for one. Georgia's Christen Miller has been a popular projection for Atlanta in mock drafts, but who knows if he will still be available at pick No. 48.
With that said, here's a look at the Falcons' pre-draft starting lineup projections on offense, defense and special teams, including PFF player grades for each starter.
Jawaan Taylor replaced Kaleb McGary in the starting lineup following the former first-round pick's surprise retirement last week. Wide receiver Jahan Dotson has replaced Darnell Mooney and Olamide Zaccheaus is currently the team's starting slot receiver.
Defensively, the Falcons have several new faces, including edge rusher Samson Ebukam and linebacker Christian Harris. The team traded Ruke Orhorhoro to the Jacksonville Jaguars for defensive tackle Maason Smith. While Smith struggled last season, we currently have him slated as the starting nose tackle.
These lineups are just projections based upon the team's recent free-agent signings, however, the 2026 NFL Draft could change things. The Falcons have five total selections, starting in Round 2 (pick No. 48 overall).
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons starting lineups: Maason Smith to start at DT
Continue reading...
Smith was not a starter for the Jaguars and had largely fallen out of the rotation by the end of the season, however, a fresh start and new role could help the former LSU standout turn his career around in Atlanta.
The Falcons had a need at nose tackle, and while we still expect them to target a DT in the draft, this trade makes it so they won't have to reach for one. Georgia's Christen Miller has been a popular projection for Atlanta in mock drafts, but who knows if he will still be available at pick No. 48.
With that said, here's a look at the Falcons' pre-draft starting lineup projections on offense, defense and special teams, including PFF player grades for each starter.
Falcons starting offense with PFF grades
- QB Michael Penix Jr.: 59.3
- RB Bijan Robinson: 86.6
- WR Drake London: 88.0
- WR Jahan Dotson: 54.1
- WR Olamide Zaccheaus: 54.8
- TE Kyle Pitts: 73.6
- LT Jake Matthews: 69.7
- LG Matthew Bergeron: 70.8
- C Ryan Neuzil: 77.4
- RG Chris Lindstrom: 88.4
- RT Jawaan Taylor: 53.3
Jawaan Taylor replaced Kaleb McGary in the starting lineup following the former first-round pick's surprise retirement last week. Wide receiver Jahan Dotson has replaced Darnell Mooney and Olamide Zaccheaus is currently the team's starting slot receiver.
Falcons starting defense with PFF grades
- DL Zach Harrison: 63.8
- DT Maason Smith: 49.1
- DL Brandon Dorlus: 63.4
- EDGE Jalon Walker: 71.6
- LB Divine Deablo: 77.7
- LB Christian Harris: 54.8
- EDGE Samson Ebukam: 64.1
- CB A.J. Terrell: 57.7
- CB Mike Hughes: 58.6
- NB Billy Bowman Jr: 49.8
- S Jessie Bates III: 64.5
- S Xavier Watts: 72.4
Defensively, the Falcons have several new faces, including edge rusher Samson Ebukam and linebacker Christian Harris. The team traded Ruke Orhorhoro to the Jacksonville Jaguars for defensive tackle Maason Smith. While Smith struggled last season, we currently have him slated as the starting nose tackle.
Falcons special teams with PFF grades
- K Nick Folk: 91.3
- P JakeBailey: 75.1
- LSLiam McCullough: 68.3
These lineups are just projections based upon the team's recent free-agent signings, however, the 2026 NFL Draft could change things. The Falcons have five total selections, starting in Round 2 (pick No. 48 overall).
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons starting lineups: Maason Smith to start at DT
Continue reading...
