The Falcons released the list of players who made their initial 53-man roster over the weekend and there were a few surprises.
Let’s take a look at five that stood out.
1. Ricky Ortiz making the cut
This one was probably the most surprising. Ortiz was pretty average as a blocker and was inactive frequently last season. When the Falcons signed veteran tight end Luke Stocker this offseason, the consensus was that he would take on the fullback role. Ortiz’s special teams value was probably ultimate what saved him. Atlanta goes into the regular season carrying five running backs and a fullback.
Update:
The Falcons have released Ortiz and signed former Raiders fullback Keith Smith to take his place.
2. Falcons cutting down at EDGE
The Falcons decided to release Austin Larkin, Durrant Miles, Chris Odom, Tre Crawford and Yurik Bethune. For a team who was notably thin at the EDGE position before the preseason, cutting down at this spot is a bit confusing. The season-ending injury for Steven Means was a hit to the depth chart, so it’s surprising that Atlanta didn’t keep more around for the regular season.
3. Danny Etling loses to Matt Schaub
Matt Schaub was unspectacular this preseason, but he’s still going to be backing up Matt Ryan at 38 years old. Meanwhile, Etling had a solid preseason campaign. Eventually, the Falcons will need a younger backup quarterback, so his time may come. Etling’s mobility was valuable enough to land him a spot on the practice squad, at least.
4. WR/KR Marcus Green released
The plan for Green was to use him as a gadget weapon/kick returner. After muffing a couple punts, the Falcons were obviously not thrilled. So, they decided to move on from their sixth-round pick. Look for running back Kenjon Barner to be the team’s top return specialist moving forward. The Falcons are adding Brandon Powell to their practice squad as a potential replacement. Green is going to be on the Eagles’ squad.
5. No room for DB Chris Cooper
Dan Quinn had lots of good things to say about Chris Cooper earlier in the offseason. Now, he’s gone. Looks like Sharrod Neasman had a heck of a camp, good enough to set him apart from Cooper as the backup free safety behind Ricardo Allen. Cooper also played well at nickel when Damontae Kazee and Kendall Sheffield were injured, so it’s surprising there was no room for him on the roster. Cooper is also on the practice squad.
