With the Falcons beginning their search for a new defensive coordinator, it’s time to look ahead following another disappointing season in Atlanta.
As the Atlanta Falcons start looking for defensive coaching reinforcements, it’s an ideal time to assemble the final roundtable of the season. There is plenty to ponder going into a pivotal year for the franchise in their prolonged quest to return to the playoffs. How the offense makes minor alterations to put their promising young quarterback in a position to flourish will be monitored. How much of a defensive makeover will be required is most important this offseason for a unit with few positives and numerous question marks coming out of 2024.
This roundtable is traditionally the biggest one before everything is refreshed going into full off-season mode. Cory Woodroof, Dave Choate, Tre’Shon Diaz, Saivion Mixson, and Aaron Freeman join me for this extended discussion. If you haven’t read an end-of-season roundtable before, you can view last year’s roundtable here.
Where does Michael Penix have to improve the most to become a certified franchise quarterback in 2025?
Cory Woodroof: Penix showed so much promise in his three rookie starts. You can take what he gave you to finish 2024 and win games in 2025. If they’re going to maximize his potential, helping him get off to faster starts and teaching him how to vary his throws for the right situations will be paramount. Some of that will just come with time and experience. Penix can be a good quarterback as he is; you can live with missed throws right now if he’s throwing flaming darts with such confidence and poise.
However, Penix can be a pretty great quarterback if the team finds ways to limit the errant passes and show him how to make as many plays out of structure as his mobility will allow. Standing and delivering in the pocket with reasonable accuracy can lock you in as an NFL starter for a long time. Penix can do that at this rate, and the rookie lumps will smooth out eventually. You’d love to see him add more nuance to his game and put more situational touch on his passes. The nice thing about Penix is that most of his mistakes are fixable, and he’s still very young in his NFL career. He’s shown enough to get you excited for the future, but the ceiling will be up to him and the coaching staff. It’s all doable, which gives you hope the Falcons got their guy for the long haul.
Dave Choate: Given his impressive debut, it’s not as extensive a list as we might have thought after he was drafted. That’s great news for the Falcons.
I’d focus on accuracy, which will hopefully come with comfort and time. Penix made some flat-out hoot-and-holler-worthy throws in 2024 in his limited opportunities, but he also missed a handful of throws pretty badly. Settling in early and working on footwork and mechanics further this offseason should help with that. I certainly don’t expect perfection so much as avoiding multiple misses in a row.
Otherwise, it’s just all the small things you want a rookie quarterback to continue to work on, like decision-making (with time running out, trying a risky throw short of the end zone to Kyle Pitts, for example) and comfort handling situations where time is tight and the offense must stay on schedule. The glimpse we got from Penix at the end of this season was tantalizing enough that I’m already willing to consider him a franchise guy in the making; it’s just about refining what’s there for me.
Tre’Shon Diaz: The devil is in the details. Penix has to do the simple things consistently and at a high level to the point that it becomes second nature. So far, he’s shown that he’s a high-volume thrower who starts slow and gets hot with more attempts. Yes, he can make all the throws, but that doesn’t matter if he can’t hit them consistently. The missed hitches, comebacks, and fades don’t all boil down to chemistry; the ball placement and location on a fair number of those passes weren’t up to snuff. He also needs to vary his throws more.
Being able to throw a laser is grand (and necessary), but the best quarterbacks can throw the same pass 50 different ways. Minor details like not dropping the football when resetting and one-handing the football while in a crowded pocket are other places he can make tangible improvements that will go a long way. More time with his receivers will undoubtedly help with timing, as we saw against the Commander. An entire offseason as the team’s starting quarterback will benefit him too. The margins for error are thin when evaluating franchise quarterbacks, but the positive is that we are already at this stage and have passed the first one.
Allen Strk: Sustaining accuracy on throws outside the numbers and off-platform will be pivotal in his progression. As many rookie quarterbacks tend to do, they can become erratic when forced off their spot and attempt tight window passes outside the numbers. There were several off-target throws against the Commanders where Penix threw passes with too much velocity on a line drive. Considering it was his first start on the road in a must-win hostile environment, he was bound to endure some setbacks with his skill set.
With his work ethic and traits, there should be plenty of optimism that he will be able to throw the ball with more precision when forced out of the pocket and capable of putting touch on throws when necessary. It takes time for young quarterbacks to consistently play with proper footwork and composure as they process coverage looks and go through progressions. As long as Penix gets those nuances down, the sky is the limit with his arm talent and ambition.
Saivion Mixson: When the coaching staff finally decided to give the 24-year-old rookie a shot to start after the putrid skid from Kirk Cousins, I have to say that I was nervous. I had a day two grade on Penix, citing his inconsistent mechanics after a lengthy college career coupled with his injury history as enough to have plenty of pauses selecting him on day one, let alone in the top ten. Well, we can throw that evaluation in the garbage.
Penix has shown that not only was he a quarterback worthy of top-ten consideration, but he may be the best pure thrower of the football in the class. There are still inconsistencies from down to down, but I believe some of those mistakes can be mitigated through more experience with his receivers. During the game against Washington, his misses appeared to be due to a lack of chemistry, especially on downfield passes. Penix has shown that he is a special talent with the ball in his hands and an off-season where he doesn’t have to focus on anything but building chemistry with his pass-catchers should do wonders for him.
Aaron Freeman: Penix’s struggles with accuracy and ball placement were particularly prevalent in the Washington game. The Commanders played a lot of man coverage, a template other teams may follow to force Penix to make tight window throws. As seen across his three starts, including late against the Commanders, the ability to fit those windows is something Penix possesses, but it has been inconsistent to date.
The Falcons are in a position to have the same offensive line again for the third consecutive season. Should they remain committed to the same five starters or attempt to make upgrades?
Cory Woodroof: The offensive line, as constructed, can do what it needs to succeed. It’s not an elite unit, but it’s a sturdy one. Re-signing Drew Dalman should be a huge priority for this regime, if only because the other free-agent options aren’t stellar and the upcoming draft class doesn’t look strong.
Keeping two veteran tackles in place as your young quarterback develops is a smart move, even if both Jake Matthews and Kaleb McGary have their faults. The team could consider adding a developmental tackle in the draft to build for the future. This is not a part of the roster that needs an overhaul; just continued tweaks and alterations to maximize its potential.
Dave Choate: If they can, I’d stick with the group, though I’d want to explore depth upgrades. Matthews is still a terrific option in pass protection, Matthew Bergeron looks quite good, Chris Lindstrom is elite, and McGary is a tremendous run blocker who held up fairly well in his three-game stint on Penix’s blindside. The only player I’d actively consider replacing in 2025 is Dalman, an integral piece as a run-blocking center but still has frustrating snap and pass-protection issues that make me view him as the weakest link. Even then, he’s good enough that the Falcons should keep him around if they can avoid having him break the bank.
The reality, though, is that Dalman has dealt with injuries and both Matthews and McGary are over 30. I’d look to snag a young tackle to develop as a potential starter down the line; they at least have Ryan Neuzil as an affordable, capable backup plan for Dalman.
Tre’Shon Diaz: Atlanta should remain committed to their current starting five. For the most part, Neuzil and Dalman performed similarly in pass protection, but Dalman exceeded the backup as a run blocker and still has the edge overall. Dalman only had three penalties during the season, while Neuzil had the third most penalties on the line, with seven. The leader in penalties, Bergeron (12), struggled mightily without the presence of Dalman, as did the run game. Both improved with the center’s return. There was a reason the Falcons couldn’t run left for much of the season, and it wasn’t all due to Cousins’ footwork. McGary is on a reasonable deal for what he provides–an underappreciated win for Fontenot.
An upgrade will be needed in the future, but this offseason doesn’t offer many realistic options for upgrading over either McGary or Matthews. The starting five the team came into the year with is good enough for one more go, and the boost Penix provided them was proof of that. It’s much easier to block for a pocket navigator than a statue, and having a cohesive unit that’s played multiple years together will assist with the development of the team’s (hopeful) quarterback of the future.
Allen Strk: There will always be lingering concerns about McGary when facing top-tier opposition. His short arms and sluggish feet make him liable to get blown past off the edge. With Penix being left-handed, his pass protection inconsistency raises some alarm bells. Despite his shortcomings, he has played relatively solid since re-signing in 2023 and remains a huge asset as a run blocker.
Replacing McGary can be contemplated, but it seems more realistic to attempt it in 2026. The same applies to Matthews, who is quietly coming off one of the best years of his career. That leaves all five starters together again for the third consecutive season. Dalman’s inconsistency can be frustrating, although similar to McGary, he makes a massive difference in the ground game with his quickness and positional intelligence. It’s hard to see them upgrading on him, especially with several defensive positions needing to be addressed.
Saivion Mixson: The immediate answer that comes to mind is the right tackle position. There has been more than enough discourse about how viable McGary is for years due to his pass protection woes. However, there is no contesting that the combination of Lindstrom and McGary on the right side of the line has been a net positive for the run game. For all runners with 75+ carries on the right side of the line (20 qualified runners), Bijan Robinson ranks fifth in yards per attempt, fourth in touchdowns, and first in first downs.
While the chemistry between the 2019 first-round draft picks for Atlanta is a net positive, that shouldn’t stop Atlanta from seeking a possible upgrade if it becomes available via the draft or in free agency. Due to the lack of draft picks and a dire need for defensive talent, I don’t expect that change to come from the draft. And while there are a few intriguing names that could be hitting free agency, I believe that staying put and securing depth behind McGary may be the best course of action. Not to mention that with the scarcity of resources this off-season, there are more pressing matters to address first.
Aaron Freeman: Upgrading any unit is always welcome, but considering the team’s limited draft picks and cap space, they have far more pressing needs besides their offensive line. If the Falcons make a change, it’ll most likely be at center, where Dalman is set to become a free agent.
The Falcons should work on diversifying their run scheme this year, and it’s debatable if Dalman can thrive in a different scheme that isn’t centered around outside zone. He could if the Falcons try to maximize the unit’s athleticism by incorporating more run concepts that feature blockers on the move on to execute pull and trap blocks.
Without knowing what the defensive scheme will primarily be next season, which young defensive player can develop into a difference-maker?
Cory Woodroof: Arnold Ebkietie looks like a keeper. The way he came on in the back half of the season shows that he may have just been a late bloomer, ready to seize a run of productive play in the years to come. That’s great for Terry Fontenot’s 2022 draft class, and it’s great for the Falcons’ defense.
Next season is his contract year. The team could extend him mid-season if he keeps playing like he has. Ruke Orhorhoro also flashed enough to make you feel decent about his future. Zach Harrison looks ready to break out in his third season after impressing as a rotational player in 2024. The young guys stepping up will be big for this defense in the fall.
Dave Choate: I think it’s Orhorhoro. We just didn’t see enough of the 2024 second-round pick this year owing to injury and coaches’ decisions, but there were flashes of tremendous strength and savvy along the way in a quiet, limited year. With a better defensive line coach, more familiarity and experience, and a larger opportunity to come, Orhorhoro should be able to showcase the ability the Falcons so clearly covet in 2025. I’ll riot if he doesn’t get that shot, and I doubt I’ll be alone.
Also, look for Bralen Trice to make an impact and DeMarcco Hellams, by now a forgotten man after injury wiped out his entire 2024 season, to show up as at least an extremely useful pass rusher and third safety, respectively.
Tre’Shon Diaz: Harrison will turn 24 in August going into his third year. He has been a work in progress since his arrival. The team always planned to make the player gain weight, and the new staff agreed with that approach. There were learning curves, such as understanding how to handle down blocks from the interior, splitting doubles, maintaining gap integrity, etc, from multiple alignments from 1T-5T.
Harrison’s snap distribution was criminal as he ended the season with 71 fewer snaps than his rookie year (adios Jay Rodgers and Jimmy Lake). Still, the defensive lineman should have more opportunities with a retooled room and new staff in 2025. With a year of play in his new role and another offseason to get stronger, Harrison is in a prime position to have the breakout season many had hoped for in 2024.
Allen Strk: Choosing Troy Andersen isn’t sensical given his career has been largely derailed by injuries. That leaves Harrison as the most intriguing rising player on a defense that desperately needs to get younger. His positional versatility and play strength have flashed during his first two years in the league. Unfortunately, those flashes haven’t translated into consistency. The previous coaching staff misused him, as they never seemed committed to a plan with his usage.
A new defensive coordinator with fresh ideas and a better structure will work wonders for him. There’s no doubt he can be a strong contributor or even potentially above-average starter with his capabilities. It’s a matter of actually utilizing him to maximize his attributes. Harrison does have to develop more as a pass rusher, but the signs are there for him to be one of the team’s most dependable run defenders. Whether he could shift back to being a strongside edge defender or be more inserted on the interior, it wouldn’t be surprising to see a classic third-year breakout season happen.
Saivion Mixson: Orhorhoro had only 198 snaps in his eight games this season due to being inactive and an ankle injury that put him on injured reserve. But he utilized those snaps to show some impressive flashes.
According to PFF, Orhorhoro made a defensive stop (a tackle that constitutes as a “failure” for the offense) on three of his 43 run defense snaps, which comes out to a 7.5% stop percentage, good for ninth amongst rookies with 40+ snaps. He also has an average depth of tackle of -0.7 yards, the only rookie with a negative depth of tackle. Regardless of the defensive coordinator, Orhorhoro has done enough to warrant a chance to be a difference-maker next season.
Aaron Freeman: Andersen has been struck by the injury bug the past two years, preventing him from showing the development hoped for in the middle of their defense. However, Andersen has the physical tool set to thrive in various schemes. If Andersen can finally stay healthy, show improved instincts, and be more consistent as a tacker, he can be a real difference-maker for this defense.
But given his limited availability, it is also possible that the Falcons look to upgrade their linebacker position with another player of similar skill, and that could leave Andersen by the wayside.
As much as a defensive overhaul is needed, some players will be re-signed. Which upcoming free agent should the front office prioritize to keep on defense?
Cory Woodroof: Perhaps this is just the sad state of affairs for the defense, but they don’t necessarily need to re-sign any of their pending free agents. Keeping Mike Hughes is probably the best move to make out of the upcoming group, even if he’s struggled with injuries. Hughes played admirably when healthy, and seeing him struggle against the Vikings coming off his neck injury shouldn’t have been a huge surprise.
Justin Simmons is a useful veteran starter at the right price, even if he’s lost a step. Ta’Quon Graham and James Smith-Williams provide solid veteran depth on the defensive line that you could rationalize retaining.
Dave Choate: I would make a real case for Hughes, which is not something I ever thought I’d hear myself say ahead of the 2024 season. He was justifiably maligned for a handful of bad plays on defense and his excruciating work as a returner during that season, but Hughes has a quietly solid year on balance at corner in 2023 and built on that to become a solid starter in 2024.
His missed tackle rate was lower than any other Falcons cornerback. He allowed fewer touchdowns than any other starting Falcons defensive back. His coverage work was really quite good outside of a couple of bad games along the way. The Falcons have struggled to find a capable starter opposite A.J. Terrell for a bit now; unless they’re convinced Clark Phillips is ready to make the leap, I’d want Hughes back on a short-term deal to start until Phillips and/or an inevitable 2025 draft pick are ready to step up.
Tre’Shon Diaz: Hughes is the only defender they need to prioritize bringing back. I was leading the charge to move on from the corner after his first year in Atlanta, but the issue was he got put in the slot where he’s never been successful, and the team ran a different coverage scheme. The move outside permanently and a heavy zone defense paid off big for the cornerback. He was the superior option, opposite Terrell, for the entire season.
The injuries are a bit of a concern, and the Falcons should still try to upgrade the position. However, having a corner with Hughes’ capabilities in the room would give this secondary legitimate depth. If you were to tell me the Falcons were going to a man-heavy coverage scheme, I would consider changing my answer to Smith-Williams in terms of who to focus on, but Hughes still feels like the right call regardless of scheme.
Allen Strk: It’s essential to have cornerback depth given how much teams like to use dime packages and play quarter coverages. It allows defenses to become more varied with disguises and deploy creative delayed blitzes. Look no further than what the Rams did against the Vikings. Hughes is the clear pick based on his consistency, awareness, and open-field tackling. Although his play dipped by the end of the season, he was one of the few defensive players who exceeded expectations and proved to be a capable starter.
His outstanding awareness is a valuable trait to have playing primarily zone coverage. There were moments where he set the tone with ferocious tackling. Every good secondary needs a veteran or two to solidify the unit. Hughes deserves to be rewarded for his steady performances.
Saivion Mixson: Looking at the list of defensive free agents for the Falcons this off-season is a difficult task in and of itself. If I had to choose one to prioritize, it has to be Hughes. Moving Hughes back outside seemed to help him feel more comfortable, racking up his second-best reception allowed percentage of his career (61.9%), only trailing behind his lone season with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2021. Hughes should not come back as a definitive starter, as it should be a draft pick with Terrell. Hughes as a depth piece could be intriguing.
Aaron Freeman: Hughes would be the free agent I’d prioritize bringing back. Hopefully, the Falcons will invest a premium draft pick into a more long-term solution at outside cornerback opposite Terrell, where there has been a revolving door since 2020. But Hughes is a nice insurance policy if that move doesn’t happen or that young rookie cornerback isn’t ready to start come opening day.
Hughes is a reliable tackler, decent in coverage, and has the versatility to play both inside and outside, making him, at worst, a valuable depth piece and, at best, a decent stopgap starter, as he showed throughout the 2024 season.