With all the uncertainty surrounding the Falcons offensive line in recent weeks, there was no question that they’d need to pay close attention to the trade market and waiver wire.
After several additions, ESPN’s Marc Raimondi provided an inside look at the competition to be Michael Penix Jr.‘s blindside protector, including one new addition that Falcons offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford said has “definitely grabbed our attention.”
Raheem Morris Giving Priority to Linemen on Falcons’ Initial Roster
Earlier this month, RT Kaleb McGary signed an extension to keep him in Atlanta through the 2027 season. In her article discussing the extension, Falcons Senior Reporter Tori McElhaney spoke to McGary about the new responsibility of being a blindside protector. McGary didn’t seem too worried about the change.
“In modern offenses, a quarterback is going to turn a lot when he’s reading the field,” McGary explained. “There’s not really a blind side because at some point, his back is going to be to each side pretty much no matter what. … Still just trying not to give up a sack ever.”
But, following a devastating injury update on Tuesday, Atlanta opened up the competition for their starting right tackle spot. That’s far from ideal, considering the regular season starts one week from tomorrow.
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris has been clear that the competition for the right tackle spot is still considered open.
But, he stressed that two returning players – veterans Elijah Wilkinson and Brandon Parker – and rookie Jack Nelson will get the first shot at replacing McGary.
“Three players will be competing for the Atlanta Falcons’ extremely important starting right tackle role, according to head coach Raheem Morris — and more could be in the mix,” wrote Marc Raimondi yesterday.
But, don’t be surprised if one of their newcomers breaks into that competition.
Offensive Line Coach Dwayne Ledford Says One New Addition ‘Definitely Grabbed Our Attention’
Raheem Morris stressed the importance of continuity and giving their returning players a shot at filling the spot.
But, he and Falcons run game coordinator/offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford didn’t rule out a newcomer winning the role.
“Morris said all three could eventually vie for that starting role, once they begin to learn offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford’s zone-blocking system,” wrote Raimondi.
Raimondi noted that nine-year veteran Elijah Wilkinson has the most experience of any player vying for the spot.
As the front-runner to start their season opener, Ledford told Raimondi that he’d be “comfortable” with Wilkinson taking over.
But, Ledford revealed that they’ve had their eye on one player, especially considering his solid performance as a rookie against the Falcons last year.
Ledford told Raimondi that second-year OT Michael Jerrell, who the Falcons traded for just hours before the 53-man roster deadline on Tuesday, “definitely grabbed our attention” during his time in college.
Ledford told Raimondi that Jerrell could be “an option” to fill in as their Week 1 starter.
“[Jerrell is] a pro, he’s been in the league, he kind of understands the urgency behind it and it’s now trying to catch him up as fast as you possibly can there — the verbiage, the lingo, all that’s going to be a little bit different and it’s just trying to get him as comfortable with our system as fast as we can,” Ledford said.
We’ll see what happens over the next week, but it’s clear that the Falcons still have a question mark on their depth chart.
If they’re serious about challenging the Buccaneers for the NFC South title, they need to find an answer sooner rather than later.
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