Projecting the Falcons 53-man roster and 16-man practice squad

[ASFN Admin]

The Atlanta Falcons have completed their second week of OTAs, but they have a long way to go before their 2026 NFL season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Even though the Falcons have a new head coach, general manager and president of football, there is still pressure to win this year.

The competition should be intense at every position, including quarterback. While Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. are battling it out for the QB1 job, Trevor Siemian and UDFA Jack Strand will be fighting for that third QB spot.

Since Atlanta lacked the resources to sign top-level free agents, several of the team's young players have a real shot at landing a roster spot. In our first Falcons roster projection of 2026, we have three undrafted free agents making the team.

Check out our full 53-man roster and 16-man practice squad projections for the Falcons in 2026 below.

Quarterbacks (3)​

• Michael Penix Jr. (9)
• Tua Tagovailoa (1)
• Jack Strand (18)

Running Backs (3)​

• Bijan Robinson (7)
• Brian Robinson Jr. (15)
• Tyler Goodson (25)

Wide Receivers (5)​

• Drake London (5)
• Jahan Dotson (4)
• Zachariah Branch (17)
• Olamide Zaccheaus (14)
• Vinny Anthony II (86)

Tight Ends (3)​

• Kyle Pitts (8)
• Austin Hooper (81)
• Charlie Woerner (89)

Offensive Linemen (10)​

• Jake Matthews (70)
• Matthew Bergeron (65)
• Ryan Neuzil (64)
• Chris Lindstrom (63)
• Jawaan Taylor (71)
• Ethan Onianwa (75)
• Kyle Hinton (68)
• Jack Nelson (69)
• Storm Norton (77)
• James Brockermeyer (66)

Defensive Linemen (7)​

• Brandon Dorlus (54)
• Zach Harrison (96)
• Maason Smith (92)
• Da'Shawn Hand (90)
• Chris Williams (93)
• LaCale London (94)
• Anterio Thompson (98)

Linebackers (5)​

• Divine Deablo (0)
• Kendal Daniels (53)
• Harold Perkins Jr. (56)
• Christian Harris (45)
• Troy Andersen (44)

EDGE/OLB (4)​

• Jalon Walker (11)
• James Pearce Jr. (27)
• Azeez Ojulari (51)
• Samson Ebukam (52)

Cornerbacks (6)​

• A.J. Terrell (24)
• Avieon Terrell (12)
• Mike Hughes (21)
• Billy Bowman Jr. (33)
• Cobee Bryant (37)
• Natrone Brooks (35)

Safeties (4)​

• Jessie Bates III (3)
• Xavier Watts (31)
• DeMarcco Hellams (23)
• Sydney Brown (29)

Special Teams (3)​

• LS: Liam McCullough (49)
• K: Nick Folk (6)
• P: Jake Bailey (16)

There were some extremely tough decisions, especially at the quarterback and cornerback positions. There were just so many players in the mix and too many factors, including injuries, to get a clear picture. We felt Kevin Stefanski would likely keep three quarterbacks due to his history with the Cleveland Browns. Based on upside, we gave UDFA Jack Strand the nod over Trevor Siemian.

We left off former fourth-round pick Clark Phillips III and free-agent addition Darnay Holmes, although we wouldn't be surprised if both ended up on the roster. Several others, edge including Bralen Trice, running back Nathan Carter, and linebacker Channing Tindall, just barely missed the cut

Obviously, it's extremely early and this is pure speculation. We will have to wait until training camp begins to have a realistic idea of who will get these final few slots. Check out our full 16-man practice squad projection below.

Practice Squad projection​

1. QB Jack Strand
2. RB Cash Jones
3. WR Keelan Marion
4. WR Le’Meke Brockington
5. TE Jack Velling
6. OL Riley Mahlman
7. OL Kam Dewberry
8. CB Clark Phillps III
9. LB Malik Verdon
10. LB Daveren Rayner
11. DL CJ Nunnally IV
12. DL Carlos Allen Jr.
13. CB Malcolm DeWalt
14. CB A.J. Woods
15. LS Philip Florenzo
16. S Jammie Robinson

This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons 53-man roster projection for 2026 NFL season

Continue reading...