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The Falcons released a new unofficial depth chart, but you know, they went through the trouble of releasing it and we're going to give it the weight it deserves.
The Falcons first depth chart of the 2014 season has been released: http://t.co/zlfMaeuiBV #RiseUp pic.twitter.com/5BnJ1IJC9P
— Atlanta_Falcons (@Atlanta_Falcons) August 5, 2014
Let's jump right into the surprises here. The first is seeing Ryan Schraeder, who by all accounts has had himself a nice little camp, listed as the third string tackle behind Gabe Carimi. Carimi is also listed as the third string right guard behind Harland Gunn, and again, his positional versatility would seem to bode well for his chances at a roster spot, so long as his ankle is healed up.
This depth chart is listed in 4-3 format, and currently Kroy Biermann and Jonathan Babineaux are listed as the starting ends, with breakout candidate Jonathan Massaquoi backing up Babs. Tyson Jackson and Paul Soliai are listed as the starting defensive tackles, with guys like Tyler Starr and Walker May deeply buried. Bartu is running ahead of Prince Shembo, Dwight Lowery is still listed as the starting free safety there are only two linebackers and three cornerbacks listed, which links up nicely with Mike Smith talking about the nickel as the dominant defense. and Josh Wilson is the lead nickel back for the moment, ahead of Robert McClain.
The biggest surprise of all? Seeing the impressive Devonta Freeman listed as the fourth-string back, behind Steven Jackson, Jacquizz Rodgers and Antone Smith. He's got plenty of time to climb, but this may be alluding to early concerns with his pass protection.
As always, this depth chart won't come close to reflecting the reality of the roster as it is constructed in September, but it gives us a useful glimpse at where players stand today and which players are being challenged to rise up the chart. What do you think of it?