3 Falcons That Won't Be on the Roster at the Start of the 2022 Season

Atlanta Falcons fans are set to watch their favorite team play without quarterback Matt Ryan for the first time since 2007 this fall. Marcus Mariota will now be leading an offense that will be hoping to exceed expectations. After all, head coach Arthur Smith has an "urgency to win" with this roster.

First things first, the Falcons are tasked with trimming off some roster fat before Week 1 arrives. Atlanta has to be thinking about both the present and future status of the team with these decisions. Here's a look at three Falcons players that won't be on the roster at the start of the 2022 NFL season.

Falcons Roster Rumors

1. Tyshaun James, WR

Tyshaun James was one of three undrafted free agent wide receivers to sign with the Atlanta Falcons this offseason. Stanley Berryhill and Jared Bernhardt were also added to the roster. Berryhill's efforts during his final college season (865 total yards) give him a distinct leg up in this competition. Meanwhile, Bernhardt is a complete wild card after playing lacrosse for Maryland. James posted only 741 all-purpose yards during his last two college seasons and relies on his size more than his skills. There's a chance none of these players make the roster, but James sticks out as the likeliest cut candidate.

2. Timmy Horne, NT

Timmy Horne is another undrafted free agent that is going to be fighting for a roster spot this summer. The 24-year-old out of Kansas State racked up 121 tackles (17.0 for loss), 4.0 sacks, and 3 fumble recoveries over his college career. The only problem is that he is stuck way down on the depth chart. Ta'Quon Graham is locked into the starting nose tackle spot. Backup Vincent Taylor also has five seasons of NFL experience and Anthony Rush appeared in 10 games for Atlanta in 2021. Horne will need a strong showing in training camp.

3. Brad Hawkins, S

The Falcons lack true superstars, but they have no shortage of depth when it comes to established players. That's what makes Brad Hawkins the third undrafted free agent on this list at risk of being cut from the roster before Week 1. The Michigan safety signed with Atlanta after posting 60 tackles (3.0 for loss) and 4 pass breakups in his senior season. He is stuck behind five players with NFL experience at safety, though. Hawkins' best shot at being on the sidelines during the regular season is balling out this summer.

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