Falcons projected starting defense with PFF player grades

The Atlanta Falcons' offseason training program is in full swing and the first week of OTAs is officially in the books. While we expect significant changes to the starting lineups this season, everything must first be earned. The team brought in several new faces on both sides of the ball.

On defense, Atlanta selected A.J. Terrell's little brother, Avieon Terrell, in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Terrell will join a talented Falcons secondary and compete for a starting job in 2026. The team also said goodbye to starting inside linebacker Kaden Elliss.

We expect free-agent addition Christian Harris to replace Elliss this season, although Troy Anderson and fourth-round pick Kendal Daniels should be in the mix as well.

As for James Pearce Jr., he's expected to avoid legal troubles, although the NFL could still suspend the Defensive Rookie of the Year finalist. Other than that, we don't expect any major changes on defense.

Check out our starting lineup projection for the Falcons defense, including Pro Football Focus grades for each player.

Falcons starting defense with PFF grades

• DL Zach Harrison: 63.8
• DT Maason Smith: 49.1
• DL Brandon Dorlus: 63.4
• EDGE Jalon Walker: 71.6
• LB Divine Deablo: 77.7
• LB Christian Harris: 54.8
• EDGE James Pearce Jr.: 56.2
• CB A.J. Terrell: 57.7
• CB Mike Hughes: 58.6
• NB Billy Bowman Jr: 49.8
• S Jessie Bates III: 64.5
• S Xavier Watts: 72.4

Defensively, the team traded Ruke Orhorhoro to the Jacksonville Jaguars, acquiring Maason Smith in a rare player-for-player trade. Since the Falcons didn't add any potential Day 1 starters in the draft. Sixth-round pick Anterio Thompson should provide depth behind Brandon Dorlus this season.

While rookie Avieon Terrell should be in the mix for Atlanta's starting nickel job, we think he'll begin on the outside as the backup for Mike Hughes. However, Billy Bowman's recovery from his Achilles injury could be a factor.

Falcons special teams with PFF grades

• K Nick Folk: 91.3
• P JakeBailey: 75.1
• LSLiam McCullough: 68.3
• KR Vinny Anthony: N/A
• PRZachariah Branch: N/A

As you can see, the Falcons have two new starters, including the NFL's most accurate kicker in Nick Folk. Atlanta also signed veteran punter Jake Bailey. Meanwhile, long snapper Liam McCullough returns for another season. And while it's still very early, we have two rookies slated in at the kick and punt return positions. Third-round pick Zachariah Branch is our starting punt returner and UDFA wide receiver Vinny Anthony is slated in as the team's kick returner.

This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons projected starting lineup on defense in 2026