Atlanta Falcons 90-Man Roster Analysis: Offensive Line

Matthews, who was named to the Pro Bowl in 2018, is set to protect the blind side of new quarterback Kirk Cousins.

“He’s got a great sense of humor,” Matthews said. “He can quote movies. Stuff like that, I guess. … Really, the first day stood out. We were sitting in the (offensive) line having breakfast, and he came over and introduced himself to a lot of guys.”

The move was a hit with the tight-knit offensive line.

“I thought, I like this guy,” Matthews said. “He really fits in. He’s very easy to get along with.”

The Falcons also selected rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick in the draft.

“He’s been good, but unfortunately I haven’t had any rehearsals with him yet,” Matthews said. “From what I’ve seen, he’s an extremely talented kid. He comes in every day and works hard. I haven’t had a chance to talk to him much, but when I have, I’ve been impressed.”

Matthews helped anchor the offensive line, which features four other returning starters in left guard Matthew Bergeron, center Drew Dalman, second-team All-Pro right guard Chris Lindstrom and right tackle Kaleb McGary.

Matthews’ offseason plan was simple.

“You just have to stay in top shape,” Matthews said. “I feel healthy. I feel great. So I want to continue that.”

The Falcons’ blocking system will expand this season.

“I’m starting to get comfortable with what’s going on right now, the scheme change, a new quarterback and all that,” Matthews said. “I was just telling (Dwayne Ledford), our offensive line coach, that personally, I feel like everything’s going really well. The way we’re (calling) plays and (executing) things. It’s been really good.”

Matthews, who played for coaches Mike Smith, Dan Quinn and Arthur Smith, was delighted Ledford had been retained by new coach Raheem Morris.

“Led is one of those guys that’s consistent,” Matthews said. “He’s going to come in every day with the same energy and attitude. He supports us more than anything. He’s a guy you want to play for. He’s been great. He’s very excited.”

The Falcons’ offensive linemen have thrived in the blocking game over the past three seasons under Ledford. Lindstrom has ascended to All-Pro status and was named to the second-team Pro Bowl in 2022 and 2023. McGary has reduced his missed-block percentage each year. Dalman, who was considered a tweener coming out of college at 295 pounds, has developed nicely.

In 2023, Bergeron, who moved from left tackle to guard as a rookie, played harder throughout the season. The former Syracuse product should be more comfortable heading into his second season at guard.

“We just want to continue to build on what we’ve been doing,” Matthews said. “Be a dominant offensive line.”

After Arthur Smith was fired, the Giants wanted to interview Ledford. The Falcons blocked the request to ensure Ledford would be available to the new coach.

After Morris was named the new coach, Ledford was retained and named running game/offensive line coordinator.

“My guys, we have a close relationship,” Ledford said.

Under Ledford’s tutelage, the Falcons have gone from the 31st-ranked rushing attack (85.4 yards per game) in 2021 to third-ranked in 2022 (159.9 yards per game). Last season, the Falcons finished ninth in rushing per game with 127 yards per game.

Last season, backups Storm Norton, Ryan Neuzil, Tyler Vrabel and Kyle Hinton all started.

Late in the offseason, the Falcons looked to improve offensive line depth.

Offensive tackle Jaryd Jones-Smith, who played in the United Football League this season, signed with the Falcons on June 20. Offensive tackle Andrew Stueber, a former draft pick of New England, signed with the Falcons in early June.

Jones-Smith, 28, who is 6-foot-3 and 300 pounds, played in Pittsburgh. He was with the Raiders in 2020 and played in three games. He was with the Ravens in 2021 and played in three games.

Stueber, who was drafted by the Patriots in the seventh round (245th overall) of the 2022 draft, played at Michigan. The Falcons estimate Stueber to be 6-foot-7 and 338 pounds.

“The biggest thing is we want to play fast,” Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson said. “We want to be physical and aggressive at all times. We just want these guys to get loose and play the ball. That’s going to be our priority at all times.”

FALCONS 90 MAN DEPTH CHART

OFFENSE

QB – Kirk Cousins, Taylor Heinicke, Michael Penix Jr., John Paddock

RB – Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier, Avery Williams, Carlos Washington Jr., Jase McClellan

FB – Robert Burns

WR – Drake London, Josh Ali, Austin Mack, Greg Washington, Dylan Drummond

Slot WRs – Rondale Moore, Ray-Ray McCloud

TE – Kyle Pitts, Charlie Woerner, John FitzPatrick, Austin Stogner, Ross Dwelley

LT – Jake Matthews, Tyler Vrabel, Barry Wesley, Andrew Stueber

LG – Matthew Bergeron, John Leglue, Ryan Coll

C – Drew Dalman, Ryan Neuzil, Jovaughn Gwyn

RG – Chris Lindstrom, Kyle Hinton,

RT – Kaleb McGary, Storm Norton, Jaryd Jones-Smith

WR – Darnell Mooney, KhaDarel Hodge, Chris Blair, Isaiah Wooden, Daylen Baldwin, OJ Hiliare.

DEFENSE 3-4 Alignment

FROM – Zach Harrison, Kentavius ​​Street, Demone Harris, James Smith-Williams, Brandon Dorlus

NT – David Onyemata, LaCale London, Tommy Togiai, Eddie Goldman, Zion Logue

DT – Grady Jarrett, Kentavius ​​Street, Ta’Quon Graham, Prince Emil, Ruke Orhorhoro

LOLB – Arnold Ebiketie, Bradlee Anae, Kehinde Oginni

LILB – Kaden Elliss, Donavan Mutin, Milo Eifler

RILB – Troy Andersen, Nate Landman, JD Bertrand

ROLB – Lorenzo Carter, DeAngelo Malone, Bralen Trice

CB – AJ Terrell, Antonio Hamilton, Jayden Price, Anthony Sao

CB Nickel – Mike Hughes, Dee Alford, Trey Vaval

FS – Jessie Bates III, Micah Abernathy, Tre Tarpley III

SS – DeMarcco Hellams, Richie Grant, Lukas Denis, Dane Cruikshank

CB – Clark Phillips III, Natrone Brooks, Kevin King

SPECIAL TEAMS

K-Younghoe Koo

P/H – Bradley Pinion, Ryan Sanborn

LS – Liam McCullough

Public Relations – Ray-Ray McCloud or Avery Williams

KOR – Ray-Ray McCloud or Avery Williams

Analysis of the Falcons’ 90-man roster:

Part 1: Running Backs

Part 2: Quarterbacks

Part 3: Wide Receivers/Tight Ends

Part 4: The Offensive Line

Part 5: Defensive Line

Part 6: The linebackers

Part 7: Secondary

Part 8: Special Teams

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