The Falcons were closer to the .500 mark last year than in any other season during the extended playoff drought

Third-round pick Xavier Watts was considered one of the draft's biggest steals, and he's already getting reps with the first-team defense. The Falcons signed veteran Jordan Fuller to start next to Jessie Bates III, but that was before they traded up for Watts.

In what is to be a contract year for Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts, he would draw optimism on day one of training camp, and looks to be a crucial target for Michael Penix Jr. Kyle Pitts was selected 4th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft.

The Atlanta Falcons have several starting spots up for grabs between veterans and rookies, including the safety position next to Jessie Bates III.

His spirits are boosted, he said, by a talented young offense that includes running back Bijan Robinson and wide receiver Drake London, a defensive draft that included two first-round pass rushers in Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr., and the potential of second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr.

A former NFL player shares his honest opinion about the Atlanta Falcons' quarterback situation between Michael Penix and Kirk Cousins.

Falcons owner Arthur Blank said he believes the team has the right pieces to become a consistent winner, assuming Michael Penix Jr. is a true franchise quarterback.