Atlanta Falcons’ 2025 Depth Chart Drop: Rookies, Rest Days & a Preseason Faceoff with Detroit
It’s that time of year, Falcons fans. Football is back! On Wednesday, the Atlanta Falcons gave us something to chew on before the preseason kickoff — they dropped their very first official depth chart for the 2025 NFL season. While most of the offensive lineup came as no shock, the defense definitely raised a few eyebrows.
Now, let’s just say, if you're into rookies making noise early, this is your kind of year. Two fresh-faced defenders — Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. — made the list… but only as backups. That said, they’re not riding pine for long without a fight.
Friday Night Lights at Mercedes-Benz
Mark your calendars: this Friday night, the Falcons host the Detroit Lions for their preseason opener at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with a 7 p.m. ET kickoff. Atlanta’s head coach Raheem Morris confirmed that veterans Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr. will sit this one out. Yep — both quarterbacks are getting the night off, which means we’ll likely see heavy action from the young guns.
But that’s just fine — all five rookies are expected to suit up and get some reps, especially on defense. This preseason debut might just serve as an audition for Walker and Pearce Jr., and it’ll be exciting to see if either one can earn a starting role by Week 1.
Offense: As Expected, But With a Lot to Love
Let’s kick things off on the offensive side of the ball. The starters are exactly what fans anticipated, and that’s not a bad thing at all. Bijan Robinson is back and looking better than ever, leading the charge from the backfield with a sizzling 92.8 PFF grade. That’s elite company, folks.
Under center, Michael Penix Jr. is slotted in as the starter, and he carries a solid 87.9 grade, showcasing why the Falcons believe he’s the future. Drake London, now entering what many hope will be his breakout year, comes in with an 87.8 grade — he’s going to be one to watch in 2025.
Atlanta Falcons’ 2025 Offensive Starters (With PFF Grades)
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QB: Michael Penix Jr. – 87.9
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RB: Bijan Robinson – 92.8
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WR1: Drake London – 87.8
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WR2: Darnell Mooney – 74.0
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WR3: Ray-Ray McCloud – 62.7
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TE: Kyle Pitts – 59.6
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LT: Jake Matthews – 79.8
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LG: Matt Bergeron – 70.9
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C: Ryan Neuzil – 58.6
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RG: Chris Lindstrom – 93.5
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RT: Kaleb McGary – 73.8
📌 Key highlight? Chris Lindstrom remains the rock of this offensive line. His 93.5 grade is the highest among all offensive starters and proves he’s not just good — he’s dominant.
Defense: Some Surprises and Room to Grow
Now here’s where things get a little more interesting. The Falcons’ defense includes a mix of seasoned players and up-and-coming talents. But the notable twist? First-round rookie pass rusher James Pearce Jr. and linebacker Jalon Walker are NOT starters... yet.
They’ll have their opportunity to make a statement against Detroit, and if they ball out, Morris might just have to shuffle some names before the season starts.
On the starting lineup, Arnold Ebiketie (EDGE) leads the way with a decent 68.2 grade, while Jessie Bates III, the anchor of the secondary, comes in with a stellar 80.2 grade. The biggest area of concern? Leonard Floyd, whose 53.5 PFF score leaves room for improvement.
Falcons’ Starting Defensive Lineup (With PFF Grades)
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EDGE: Arnold Ebiketie – 68.2
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DL: David Onyemata – 66.2
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DL: Ruke Orhorhoro – 56.2
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EDGE: Leonard Floyd – 53.5
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ILB: Kaden Elliss – 71.1
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ILB: Divine Deablo – 56.8
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CB1: A.J. Terrell – 68.5
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CB2: Mike Hughes – 71.9
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NB (Nickel): Dee Alford – 58.2
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S: Jessie Bates III – 80.2
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S: Jordan Fuller – 53.8
🔥 Breakout watch: Keep an eye on Divine Deablo. He had an up-and-down year in 2024, but training camp reports say he’s flying around the field. Could be a late bloomer.
Special Teams Still Solid
Let’s not forget the often-overlooked third phase of the game. Younghoe Koo is back handling kicking duties and remains one of the more reliable legs in the league. He’s joined by punter Bradley Pinion, who put up a solid 83.0 PFF score last season.
In the return game, Jamal Agnew is slated as the go-to guy, though his grade wasn’t listed. We all know what he’s capable of — speed, shiftiness, and the potential to flip field position in a heartbeat.
Special Teams Starters and Grades
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K: Younghoe Koo – 69.0
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P: Bradley Pinion – 83.0
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KR/PR: Jamal Agnew – N/A
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LS: Liam McCullough – 67.3
🔁 Wildcard element: If Agnew stays healthy, he could become one of the most electric returners in the league again. He’s due for a few house calls this year.
Rookie Radar: All Eyes on Walker and Pearce
Let’s talk about the rookies again because they are absolutely part of the bigger picture this season. Jalon Walker, a speedy linebacker with an instinctive nose for the ball, and James Pearce Jr., a pass-rusher with a relentless motor, both sit behind starters for now — but not for long if they flash in the preseason.
Coach Morris has emphasized a "best player plays" philosophy, and if that’s truly the case, these rookies might start climbing the ranks quickly — especially if veterans don’t show up sharp in these warm-up games.
What’s Next?
So, what should fans expect on Friday night? Think of it as the first chapter in the Falcons' 2025 story. We’ll likely see a lot of movement on the depth chart in the coming weeks, especially on defense where the coaching staff seems open to experimentation.
It’s also a crucial chance for depth players and rookies to prove themselves under the stadium lights. Will Walker and Pearce make a splash? Can someone unexpected sneak their way into a starting role? That’s what preseason is for.
Quick Recap Before Kickoff
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Falcons released their first depth chart of 2025.
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Rookies Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. are listed as backups (for now).
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Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins will sit out the preseason opener.
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Falcons vs. Lions goes down Friday at 7 p.m. ET in Atlanta.
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Offensive line remains a major strength; defense still needs tightening.
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Special teams look stable — expect fireworks from Jamal Agnew.
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