What is the story about?
The
Falcons have released the first “unofficial” depth chart of 2026 ahead of Friday’s preseason tilt with the Denver Broncos. There aren’t any huge surprises on it, especially after Stefanski shared his plans for the starters in this week’s matchup during media availability on Wednesday.
There aren’t any huge surprises, but a few things of note:
- Michael Penix Jr. and Jawaan Taylor are both noted on the depth chart as “injured” and do not appear in their respective positions’ depth charts right now.
- Cash Jones has been really fun to watch in camp, so I was a bit surprised to see him so low on the running backs depth chart, but it is pretty stacked. I’m hoping he can carve out a spot for himself regardless.
- Ethan Onianwa has been getting reps with the first team in practices, so I’m also mildly surprised he’s at the bottom of the depth chart at right tackle, especially since Michael Jerrell seemed to be getting fewer reps this week. Right tackle is absolutely a spot I’m keeping a close eye on this Friday against the Broncos.
- James Pearce Jr. landing in the third spot on his section of the DE depth chart is also mildly surprising given his performance last season, but obviously it’s much less so given that a six-game minimum suspension is expected to be handed down sooner rather than later. In general, the NFL tries to get those decisions to teams before roster cuts so they can plan accordingly. I double checked out of curiosity, and with the first unofficial depth chart of 2025, Pearce was listed second behind Leonard Floyd at the position.
- That’s a really fascinating group of potential kick and punt returners. I’m eager to see how that goes this preseason.
Here’s the full unofficial depth chart. Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Falcons Preseason Week 1 depth chart
Offense
Quarterback
- Tua Tagovailoa
- Cooper Rush
- Jack Strand
Running back
- Bijan Robinson
- Brian Robinson
- Tyler Goodson
- Nathan Carter
- Cash Jones
- Trey Sermon
Wide receiver
Group 1
- Drake London
- Chris Blair
- Antwane Wells Jr.
- Kristian Wilkerson
Group 2
- Olamide Zaccheaus
- Zachariah Branch
- Vinny Anthony II
Group 3
- Jahan Dotson
- Dylan Drummond
- Keelan Marion
Tight ends
Group 1
- Kyle Pitts Sr.
- Austin Hooper
- Jack Velling
Group 2
- Charlie Woerner
- Joshua Simon
- Nick Muse
Left tackle
- Jake Matthews
- Wanya Morris
- Riley Mahlman
Left guard
- Matthew Bergeron
- Kyle Hinton
- Andrew Steuber
- Layden Robinson
Center
- Ryan Neuzil
- Corey Levin
- James Brockermeyer
Right guard
- Chris Lindstrom
- Layden Robinson
- Kam Dewberry
Right tackle
- Michael Jerrell
- Brandon Walton
- Ethan Onianwa
Injured players
- Michael Penix Jr., QB
- Jawaan Taylor, OL
Defense
Defensive end
Group 1
- Cameron Thomas
- Azeez Ojulari
- James Pearce Jr.
- Keyshawn Banks
Group 2
- Brandon Dorlus
- Samson Ebukam
- Bralen Trice
- Cameron Sample
Defensive line
Group 1
- Maason Smith
- Zach Harrison
Group 2
- Da’Shawn Hand
- Devonnsha Maxwell
- Marlon Tuipulotu
Group 3
- LaCale London
- Chris Williams
- Carlos Allen Jr.
Inside linebacker
Group 1
- Divine Deablo
- Kendal Daniels
- Josh Woods
- Channing Tindall
Group 2
- Christian Harris
- Harold Perkins Jr.
- JD Bertrand
- Daveren Rayner
Safety
Group 1
- Jessie Bates III
- Demarcco Hellams
- Darren Hall
Group 2
- Xavier Watts
- Sydney Brown
- Natrone Brooks
Cornerback
Group 1
- AJ Terrell Jr.
- CJ Henderson
- Cobee Bryant
- Jammie Robinson
Group 2
- Mike Hughes
- Clark Phillips III
- CJ Henderson
- Malcolm DeWalt IV
Nickelback
- Darnay Holmes
- Aveion Terrell
- AJ Woods
- Mike Ford Jr.
Special teams
Kicker
- Nick Folk
Punter
- Jake Bailey
- Matthew Hayball
Long snapper
- Liam McCullough
Punt returner
- Brian Robinson
- Tyler Goodson
- Olamide Zaccheaus
- Zachariah Branch
Kick returner
- Zachariah Branch
- Olamide Zaccheaus
- Dylan Drummond
- Jahan Dotson
