The Falcons starting lineup is not set. Far from it, in fact.
It won't be for some time, with openings unfilled during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp. We'll see frontrunners emerge the farther into the summer we go, with some uncertain spots locking up over time.
We've seen some movement already. Some position battles expected after the offseason program have already lost their drama. Others will emerge over this early span, and we'll chronicle them all during this weekly series on Falcons position battles. We'll add and subtract battles from the board, and update status of those ongoing.
Let's get to it. Here are the top five, all for starting gigs this time, you should keep tabs on as we go through camp.
Cornerback
Fabian Moreau vs. Kendall Sheffield vs. Isaiah Oliver vs. Darren Hall
A.J. Terrell is going to start at one outside cornerback spot. You already know that. The other gig opposite him isn't nearly as certain at this point, though Fabian Moreau has been a first-teamer over the first two camp practices. He should be considered a frontrunner to start, though Kendall Sheffield will certainly push to overtake him.
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Then there's the issue at this spot. Who moves to the slot in sub packages? If Moreau does that, who steps outside? Or if Moreau starts and stay near a sideline? Isaiah Oliver has experience playing in both spots but has struggled in the pros. Darren Hall's an unknown we'll have to keep an eye on here.
There's a lot left to sort out at cornerback and more practice observation should give us a clearer picture of who will earn important roles.
Right tackle
Kaleb McGary vs. Jalen Mayfield
This one wasn't really on the radar during the offseason program. Back then, Kaleb McGary seemed like a slam dunk to start at the position he has manned since being drafted No. 31 overall in 2019. An injury has allowed rookie Jalen Mayfield to play there a bunch, dating back to the offseason program. He has been the first-team right tackle during the early stages of camp with McGary on the physically unable to perform list.
Head coach Arthur Smith said McGary could come off PUP relatively soon, and it will be interesting to see how the first-team reps break down once the incumbent returns. McGary has shown flashes of solid play but has been somewhat inconsistent his first two NFL seasons. Mayfield is a tough, versatile player who was a tackle at Michigan but could play inside or outside in the pros. He'll get a real shot at right tackle and could give McGary a real run at the starting job.
Center
Matt Hennessy vs. Drew Dalman
Matt Hennessy is a frontrunner here. He was drafted last year as a hopeful successor to Alex Mack, one of the best there is and who is now a 49er. Chris Lindstrom said Friday that Hennessy has improved significantly since his rookie year. He took most first-team reps during the offseason program but starting quarterback Matt Ryan has taken snaps from Hennessy and Drew Dalman.
Dalman was also drafted a year later by the regime currently evaluating these competitions, so that might help the Stanford alum. It seems Dalman has an uphill battle to catch Hennessy right away, all while learning a new scheme at a demanding position in his first NFL season. That might be tough to overcome, but it will be interesting to see how wins this over the long run and becomes a permanent answer.
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July 31, 2021 at 08:04PM
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Top five position battles to follow in Falcons training camp We'll be tracking these competitions - AtlantaFalcons.com
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