1. Michael Penix Jr.
This will be Atlanta Falcons fans' first real look at who the team hopes is the future of the franchise. While there is some value in evaluating the camp and preseason results at the quarterback position it is important to remember to take them with a grain of salt.
It was only a year ago that camp was all about Desmond Ridder's superb leadership skills. The preseason highlights only added to the belief Ridder would be a capable starter. Those on either side of the fence couldn't have guessed it would have gone as poorly as it did.
Penix is a more talented player with the ability to make throws Ridder simply couldn't. The comparison is simply a reminder that in preseason and camp the teams are playing far softer. You have little contact and the opposing defense showing little creativity.
With that said, it will be interesting to see how close Penix could be and whether he can push Heinicke for the backup role. Atlanta spending the 8th overall pick on a player who isn't the primary backup is completely on the table. Despite the conversations around the rookie, there is little pressure for a player whose ceiling is as Cousins' backup.
2. Darnell Mooney
The Falcons have badly needed speed added to the offense for the last three years. Both Drake London and Kyle Pitts are capable of big plays but neither are going to put pressure on the defense with their speed. Mooney is the exact skillset Atlanta was missing and will fit well with Kirk Cousins.
Mooney isn't the only speed Atlanta added with Ray-Ray McCloud and Rondale Moore joining the team as well. Mooney is the player out of the trio facing the most pressure. His recent struggles have been blamed on the Bears' inability to call a cohesive offense and get production from the quarterback position.
Looking back at last year's games this isn't completely out of bounds. Putting the focus on Mooney you can see how often the receiver is open and simply is either missed or Fields forced the ball elsewhere. Atlanta gave Mooney a hefty contract and is going to expect consistent production as the third option behind Pitts and London.
While camp isn't going to change his standing with the team it will be Atlanta's first extended look at the veteran.
3. Kirk Cousins
Kirk Cousins's abilities and ceiling have been well covered. What the veteran does in camp isn't going to mean anything for Atlanta's season. However, there is a lot of questions surrounding Cousins' health and how soon he might be a full go.
Throughout camp watching how Atlanta handles the veteran and his movement will be telling. While it wouldn't be a surprise to see Cousins held out of preseason, camp will tell us how close to ready the veteran is going to be for week one.
4. Avery Williams
There are a myriad of factors here that make Avery a player to watch closely in camp. The first is whether or not his speed has returned after last year's season-ending injury. Seeing what shape he is in and burst will be telling of Atlanta's plan at the position moving forward.
Ray-Ray McCloud and Williams will be competing for return duties and offensive roles. McCloud has the inside track offensively but if Avery is healthy it wouldn't be at all surprising to see him claim the starting job. His ability to serve as emergency depth in the secondary and offensive backfield is far too valuable to give up on. If Williams proves himself healthy he will make the final roster.
5. Bralen Trice
The third-round rookie edge rusher is going to come into camp facing some unfair expectations. This is due to the inability of the Atlanta front office to bring in a starting pass rusher. If the season started today Lorenzo Carter and Arnold Ebiketie would be your starting edge rushers. Trice would be the primary rotational piece behind them.
It is hard to buy into a third-round rookie coming into this defensive line and having a huge impact. Historically even if Trice is a solid edge rusher it will take a season of development. Despite this, the chance for Trice to win a starting role and have an instant impact is there.
6. Troy Andersen vs. Nate Landman
Two players who had extremely low expectations coming into the league will now fight it out for a starting role. Unless the Falcons are going to move Kaden Elliss to the outside it is hard to see both players working their way into the starting lineup.
There is a lot to like about both players and their development. Seeing where each is in camp and how Atlanta handles the rotation will be telling. Atlanta has a chance to have
