We will finally get a look at the Falcons defensive line during game action next Friday for their preseason opener. It’s clear that a focal point will be their new-look pass rush. With a revamped interior and a pair of rookie edge rushers, the Falcons will need much more production from that key position group.
Key Position Group on Defensive Line is Falcons’ Biggest Weakness
The Falcons defensive line finished near the bottom of PFF’s unit rankings on June 25. With just one veteran free agent addition in that key position group, it’s fair to be concerned about their potential.
Veteran defensive lineman Grady Jarrett departed for Chicago this offseason after his performance couldn’t keep up with his price tag. Even though he had enjoyed plenty of success during his tenure with the Falcons, Jarrett’s production dropped off significantly.
Unfortunately, he suffered a torn ACL during a week 8 loss, costing him the final nine games of the 2023 season. But, Jarrett and David Onyemata “left more to be desired based on their track records,” wrote Falcons digital team reporter Terrin Waack during a position review in January.
The Falcons ultimately saved $12,125,000 by releasing him this March, according to ESPN’s Marc Raimondi. Without Jarrett, Atlanta invested heavily at the key position group during the 2025 NFL Draft.
They spent significant draft capital to select two edge rushers in Jalon Walker (No. 15) and James Pearce Jr. (No. 26) during the first round. But, Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine isn’t fully sold on their improvement in that key position group.
“This is a case of guilty until proven innocent for the Falcons up front,” Ballentine wrote. “They put a lot of resources into fixing the defensive line, but they’ll need to provide some proof of concept early in the season.”
Ballentine selected the defensive line as the team’s biggest weakness and included the interior defensive line among their top three areas of need. He noted that their two rookies are on the smaller side, so they will need more production from veteran addition Morgan Fox and a pair of second-year players in Ruke Orhorhoro and Brandon Dorlus.
Offensive Line is Biggest Strength on Roster
On the other side of the ball, the Falcons are set up for success. Atlanta’s offensive line earned a top-10 ranking (No. 8) from PFF’s Zoltán Buday earlier this month.
Ballentine named the offensive line as their biggest strength, stressing the importance of that key position group. While skill players often take the credit, Ballentine notes that “it’s the offensive line that makes the offense go.”
He praised guards Chris Lindstrom and Matthew Bergeron, while calling Jake Matthews and Kaleb McGary “dependable tackles.”
“Chris Lindstrom was the top-graded guard by PFF in 2024,” Ballentine wrote. “Matthew Bergeron is a road-grader at left guard and the tackle tandem of Jake Matthews and Kaleb McGary are dependable tackles who know the Falcons’ scheme.”
While they lost center Drew Dalman to Chicago, center is the only position with a question mark. The rest of that key position group should be solid this year.
Dalman earned the fourth-highest overall PFF grade (78.8) of any center last year. But, he struggled through an ankle injury that cost him eight games. So, Ryan Neuzil spent a considerable amount of time as the starter, but none with Michael Penix Jr. under center.
After working together all offseason, Neuzil and Penix Jr. should be able to build a good relationship. Their offensive line is always a key position group, but that’s especially true with a second-year quarterback taking over.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Falcons ‘Guilty Until Proven Innocent’ in 1 Key Position Group appeared first on Heavy Sports.