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Atlanta Falcons: Top three position battles to watch

By Grayson Freestone

Jun 14, 2022; Flowery Branch, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterbacks Desmond Ridder (4) and Marcus Mariota (1) pass on the field during Minicamp at the Falcons Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 14, 2022; Flowery Branch, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterbacks Desmond Ridder (4) and Marcus Mariota (1) pass on the field during Minicamp at the Falcons Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Atlanta Falcons
Oct 10, 2021; London, England, United Kingdom; Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (8) celebrates with fullback Keith Smith (40), tight end Lee Smith (85) and center Matt Hennessy (61) after scoring on a two-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter against the New York Jets during an NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Falcons defeated the Jets 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Keep an eye on a few positions on the offensive line for the Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons have question marks at left guard, center, and right tackle. The left tackle and right guard positions are set in stone with Jake Matthews and Chris Lindstrom, they are the reliable players up front.

What is not set in stone is whether Jalen Mayfield and Kaleb McGary will be able to keep their starting jobs and if Drew Dalman can take Matt Hennessy’s job in the middle of the line.

There are really three names you need to watch out for—Germain Ifedi, Justin Shaffer, and the aforementioned Drew Dalman.

Starting with Germain Ifedi, he has played both guard and tackle in the NFL but has never lined up on the left side of the line so you figure he will be putting pressure on Kaleb McGary. He is being overlooked right now and might honestly be the front-runner for the position.

Everything we have heard about Justin Shaffer since he was drafted has been positive and many think the rookie could overtake the rookie from last year, Jalen Mayfield. You should still, however, expect Mayfield to be the starter on opening day.

Drew Dalman put a lot of pressure on Hennessy late last season as the coaching staff switched between the two. It still seems like Hennessy’s job to lose but if Hennessy does not show improvement in pass protection, Dalman might take his spot.

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