3 Atlanta Falcons with the most to gain in training camp

THE Atlanta Falcons are preparing for their training camp, which begins July 24 at IBM Performance Field in Flowery Branch, Georgia. This year, the team is undergoing significant transformations, such as a new coaching staff, a veteran quarterback and the appointment of a new defensive coordinator, Jimmy Lake.

These changes set the stage for an intriguing training camp, with several players poised to move up significantly on the depth chart.

Brandon Dorlus – Defensive end

The Falcons selected Oregon’s Brandon Dorlus, 6’3, 285 pounds, in the 4th round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The former Oregon Duck brings natural ability and refined talent to rush the passer, and even more so when he dons the pads for his first NFL training camp.

With a strong performance in training camp, the Florida native can secure a pass-catching role in Jimmy Lake’s defense as a rookie. His size and agility will allow Lake to use him in several similar roles to Zach Harrison a year ago. is he at the limit? Slide inside for a defensive tackle on third down or move toward the tackle as a defensive end?

Bralen Trice – Edge Rusher

Another new face in the pass-rushing rotation is Atlanta’s third-round selection, Bralen Trice of Washington. At 6’3.5 and 245 pounds, he is a player who displays elite competitive stamina in terms of rushing the quarterback and taking down opposing rushers in the backfield for turnovers. One word to describe his style of play is “disruptive,” as evidenced in the clip below.

With a lot of tools in his pass the advanced arsenal and a slightly more refined game than Dorlus, Trice may see a higher snap count percentage, considering his 18 career sacks (40 games) in college, compared to Dorlus’ 12 in 57 games. Regardless, he will also have plenty of opportunities to make a name for himself in the team’s new defensive scheme.

There was a lot of gnashing of teeth when the Falcons failed to take one of the top passers in the first round of the draft. Trice can make all those complaints go away.

Casey Washington – Wide receiver

The 6-foot-2, 200-pound sixth-round pick in the 2024 draft has already turned heads this offseason, including his peers.

“He killed everything there” Drake London said. “He’s done his job. He’s fitting in really, really well.”

As you can see, his body control and natural ability as a receiver is evident. With a 4.46 40-yard dash speed, he has all the tools to find a niche in new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson’s offense. Considering Robinson helped turn rookie Puka Nacua into a Pro Bowler, it’s not out of the question that Washington could develop into a high-achieving player. According to wide receivers coach Ike Hilliard, the 23-year-old is being held out due to his draft status.

“Casey is a tough kid,” Hilliard said. “We couldn’t put any pads on, and he didn’t get a chance to show it, but it’s on tape. You’ll see his aggressive nature on tape, and I love that when it comes to play with a wide receiver.

Time will tell sooner or later what the implemented pads will show these three players; they all have a unique opportunity to make a difference at the NFL level sooner rather than later through hard work, talent and a strong training camp.