The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
What contributions will rookie players make?
First-round pick London is only one listed as a starter.
FLOWERY BRANCH — With the Falcons set to open the season Sunday, it’s reasonable to consider what kind of contributions they should expect from rookies.
Last season, all nine rookies made the team and saw the field. There was a wide range of performances, from tight end Kyle Pitts exceeding expectations with a 1,000yard receiving season to wide receiver Frank Darby playing mostly on special teams over 10 games.
Seven of eight draft picks from the 2022 class made the 53-man roster, but tight end John Fitzpatrick was placed on injured reserve. Guard Justin Shaffer was cut and re-signed to the practice squad. Wide receiver Drake London, outside linebacker Arnold Ebiketie, inside linebacker Troy Andersen, quarterback Desmond Ridder, outside linebacker Deangelo Malone and running back Tyler Allgeier will get a chance to contribute.
London, taken eighth overall in the draft, is listed in the starting lineup along with Olamide Zaccheaus as the team’s top two wide receivers. London was injured in the first exhibition game but is practicing this week. The Falcons are hopeful that he will be ready to start the season.
Ebiketie, who the Falcons are hopeful can provide some pass rush, is listed at No. 2 behind Ade Ogundeji at outside linebacker, and Malone is No. 2 behind Lorenzo Carter on the other side. Ebiketie and Malone are set to help on special teams and could break into the rotation or see some spot duty.
Andersen was slowed during the exhibition season by a hamstring injury. He’ll contribute on special teams and back up Mykal Walker. Ridder will back up Marcus Mariota. Allgeier is listed as the third running back behind Cordarrelle Patterson and Damien Williams.
Three undrafted rookies — defensive tackle Timothy Horne, wide receiver Jared Bernhardt and linebacker Nathan Landman — also made the 53-man roster. And cornerback Dee Alford, who played in the Canadian Football League, is considered an NFL rookie.
Horne may crack the rotation along the defensive line, while Bernhardt and Landman are third-stringers on the depth chart.
Dalman to start: Falcons coach Arthur Smith named Drew Dalman the starting center Tuesday. Dalman beat out Matt Hennessy, who started all 17 games last season. “It was a tough competition,” Smith said.
The Falcons gave up 40 sacks last season, and the rushing attack averaged 3.7 yards per carry and 85.4 yards per game, which ranked 31st of 32 teams in the NFL.