Looking back at the Falcons depth chart 2024, it’s kinda wild how much drama was packed into one roster. Most folks remember it for the Michael Penix Jr. pick, but there was so much more moving under the surface. It was Raheem Morris’s first year back in the driver’s seat. Zac Robinson was bringing that Los Angeles Rams "illusion of complexity" to the offense. Basically, the whole vibe in Flowery Branch shifted overnight from Arthur Smith’s "heavy-run" fever dream to something way more modern.
People forget how much money was flying around. You had Kirk Cousins coming in on that massive $180 million deal, only for the front office to snag his eventual replacement months later. Talk about an awkward quarterback room.
The Quarterback Room Nobody Talks About Correctly
Honestly, the Falcons depth chart 2024 at quarterback was a bit of a soap opera. Kirk Cousins was the clear QB1 entering training camp. He had to be, right? You don't pay a guy $100 million guaranteed to sit. Behind him, Michael Penix Jr. was the "heir apparent," but Taylor Heinicke was actually the veteran insurance policy early on before he eventually moved on.
Cousins started the season with the keys to the kingdom. He was slinging it to Drake London and Kyle Pitts, looking to prove his Achilles was 100%. But as the season dragged on—and we saw this play out in real-time—the turnovers started to mount up. By the time December rolled around, Kirk had tied for the league lead in interceptions with 16. That’s when the depth chart flipped. Michael Penix Jr. stepped in for the final stretch of 2024, giving us a glimpse of the future.
It wasn't just about performance; it was about the direction of the franchise. Penix brought a different level of arm talent. We’re talking about a guy who can throw a 20-yard frozen rope while fading away. Cousins was the "now," but Penix became the "soon" much faster than anyone anticipated.
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The Skill Positions: More Than Just Bijan
Everyone wants to talk about Bijan Robinson. I get it. The guy is a human highlight reel. On the Falcons depth chart 2024, he was the undisputed RB1, racking up nearly 1,900 total yards. But Tyler Allgeier remained the "thunder" to Bijan’s "lightning." Allgeier is one of those backs who just refuses to go down on the first contact. He’s already climbing the ranks of the Falcons' all-time rushing leaders, which is crazy for a guy who spent the year as a "backup."
- Drake London (WR1): Finally got a quarterback who could find him consistently. He really turned into that alpha receiver the team envisioned.
- Darnell Mooney (WR2): A massive upgrade over what they had previously. His speed stretched the field, opening up the intermediate stuff for Pitts.
- Ray-Ray McCloud III: Often overlooked, but he was a vital "glue guy" for the special teams and the slot.
The tight end spot was fascinating because we finally saw Kyle Pitts used as a weapon rather than a decoy. Zac Robinson moved him around—slot, inline, out wide. Then you had Charlie Woerner, who was basically a sixth offensive lineman. He didn't catch many passes, but if you watch the tape of Bijan's big runs, Woerner is usually the guy clearing the path.
Defensive Identity and the Front Seven
On defense, the Falcons depth chart 2024 saw a massive shift in philosophy. Jimmy Lake and Raheem Morris brought in a more aggressive, man-heavy scheme. Grady Jarrett was back from his injury, and let me tell you, he didn't look like he lost a step. He was still the heartbeat of that defensive line.
The edge rush situation was... well, it was a work in progress. Matthew Judon came over in a late-summer trade and immediately topped the depth chart at outside linebacker. He brought that veteran "juice" that Arnold Ebiketie was still trying to find consistently. Lorenzo Carter held down the other side, but the big story was Bralen Trice. The rookie from Washington was supposed to be a rotational piece, but a brutal knee injury before the season even started meant he never saw the field in 2024.
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Inside linebacker was a bright spot. Kaden Elliss is a tackling machine. He plays with a motor that just doesn't quit. Next to him, you had a rotation of Troy Andersen and Nate Landman. Landman is a fan favorite for a reason—the guy hits like a freight train.
The Secondary: Lockdown or Bust?
A.J. Terrell got his big extension and played like a man who wanted to prove he deserved every penny. He’s the definition of a shutdown corner. The battle for the CB2 spot was one of the hottest topics of training camp. Mike Hughes eventually won out over the younger Clark Phillips III, though they both saw plenty of snaps.
- Jessie Bates III: Still the best safety in the league that nobody talks about enough. He’s the quarterback of the defense.
- Justin Simmons: A late addition that shocked everyone. Putting him next to Bates gave Atlanta one of the most experienced safety duos in NFL history.
- Dee Alford: He held down the nickel spot with some real grit.
The Offensive Line Continuity
If there’s one thing the Falcons did right in 2024, it was keeping the O-line together. Jake Matthews at left tackle is basically a machine at this point—he never misses a game. Chris Lindstrom remains the gold standard for guards.
Matthew Bergeron took a massive leap in his second year at left guard. He looked stronger, more confident. The center spot was a bit of a question mark late in the year when Ryan Neuzil had to step in for Drew Dalman, but the unit didn't skip a beat. That kind of continuity is rare in the NFL. It’s the reason why the run game stayed productive even when the passing game was hit or miss.
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Why the 2024 Roster Matters for the Future
When you look at the Falcons depth chart 2024, you're seeing the foundation of what the team is trying to become. They transitioned from a team that was just "trying to compete" to a team with a clear, aggressive identity. They weren't afraid to make bold moves—like the Penix pick or the Judon trade.
Sure, the 7-9 record at the end of the year was disappointing for some. But the growth of the young core was undeniable. Drake London became a star. Bijan Robinson solidified himself as a top-tier back. And most importantly, they found their future quarterback.
Actionable Insights for Following the Falcons
- Watch the "Succession" Dynamics: Keep an eye on how the team manages the transition from veteran leaders to the 2024 draft class. The "Penix vs. Cousins" dynamic will define the franchise for years.
- Monitor the Edge Rush: The team is still looking for a consistent sack artist. Watch how they address this in the upcoming draft or free agency to complement the interior pressure from Grady Jarrett.
- Evaluate the Coaching Continuity: Raheem Morris is likely back for 2026, but the front office might see a shakeup. Stability in the scheme is huge for players like Matthew Bergeron and Kyle Pitts.
- Track the Salary Cap: With big contracts for Cousins and Terrell, the Falcons have to be smart about how they fill out the bottom of the roster. Special teams and "glue guys" like J.D. Bertrand become even more important.