Training Camp Takeaways From Day One For Atlanta Falcons Prove This Team Can Reach New Heights

The Atlanta Falcons roster last year was supposed to be comprised of a playoff-caliber team. This season has been deemed by many as a very crucial and pivotal year for the Atlanta Falcons. The team hasn't made the playoffs since 2017, but if day one of training camp is any indication of how this upcoming season may play out, the Falcons should find themselves competing atop the NFC South division come season's end.

Training Camp Takeaways From Day One For Atlanta Falcons Prove This Team Can Reach New Heights originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Atlanta Falcons roster last year was supposed to be comprised of a playoff-caliber team. That didn't go as planned, but the 2025 Falcons have even higher expectations.

This season has been deemed by many as a very crucial and pivotal year for the Atlanta Falcons. The team hasn't made the playoffs since 2017, but if day one of training camp is any indication of how this upcoming season may play out, the Falcons should find themselves competing atop the NFC South division come season's end.

Jul 24, 2025; Flowery Branch, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Easton Stick (12) passes the ball during training camp at IBM Performance Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn ImagesDale Zanine-Imagn Images

Kyle Pitts remains with the team after rumors swirled all offseason that Atlanta was looking to move on from the highest-drafted tight end ever. Throughout the offseason, minicamp, and now training camp, Pitts appears to have chemistry with second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr., which will be beneficial as Pitts plays through a contract year and needs more targets.

The defense has been bolstered with names like Divine Deablo, Leonard Floyd, and first-round rookies Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. A competition will arise due to the departure of fan favorite Grady Jarrett to the Chicago Bears. New defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich has been tasked with assembling an aggressive defense. But with Jarrett out, the defense looks to be a little light in the middle.

All signs point to Ulbrich implementing packages to get both Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. on the field at the same time, even though both are considered edge rushers. Walker can fall back as a linebacker as needed in different schemes. On day one, Leonard Floyd and Arnold Ebiketie would work with the first team, while Walker and Pearce Jr. worked with the second unit.

Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo will have competition in the kicking game during camp for the first time in Atlanta. The Falcons signed German kicker Lenny Krieg to a three-year deal solidifying the seriousness of a camp competition. After Koo became inconsistent last year and was shelved due to an injury, he finds himself looking over his shoulder to earn another active roster spot.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 25, 2025, where it first appeared.

Category: Football