Atlanta Falcons: Four position battles to watch for heading into the 2020 season
By Deen Worley
Can the rookie stake his claim as a force on the defensive line?
Right now the Atlanta Falcons have about four guys who will be eyeing a starting spot alongside Grady Jarrett on the defensive line. Tyeler Davison, rookie Marlon Davidson, Deadrin Senat, and John Cominsky.
We all know which Grady Jarrett will be the main guy, but who becomes his much-needed sidekick?
Realistically, it should only come down to two guys. Those two guys would be Tyeler Davison and the rookie Marlon Davidson. Davison came to the Atlanta Falcons from rivals New Orleans Saints on a one year contract in 2019. After starting 12 of 16 games, Davison had a career-high with 55 tackles and also missed no tackles throughout the entire season. His 2019 season earned him a three-year extension with the team and placed faith into him going forward.
While Davison may get the starting role from the get-go, Marlon Davidson will be hot on his heels and competing with Davison along the way. Davison was only featured in 54% of defensive plays last season, so Davidson will have an ample amount of opportunities to challenge Davison for the starting job.
Marlon Davidson will become the starter full time before the halfway point of the season.