Cameron Ward’s second preseason outing was rocky, finishing 2 of 7 for 42 yards as Tennessee’s rookie quarterback absorbed Atlanta’s pressure and watched the offense stall early due to penalties and unfavorable downs. The plan to stretch his reps shifted after the first two series, prompting Ward to push for one more drive and a chance to prove he can handle a real rush.

With Calvin Ridley and Tyler Lockett resting, Ward leaned on the week’s practice environment and noted the value of more work against live pressure, stressing a mindset of getting better every week. A near big-play by Van Jefferson—the catch would have moved the Titans inside Atlanta’s 30—highlighted the room for growth. Ward heads into a home finale against Minnesota with a tempered but hopeful view on his trajectory and a fantasy caution: his path remains a distant speculative hold rather than a redraft staple.

Calvin Ridley’s return to Atlanta has stirred more than just preseason buzz. Over two joint practices with the Titans, Ridley asserted himself on the field and clashed with Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell in back-and-forth fashion that spilled onto social media. Ridley publicly challenged how reps were portrayed, then followed up with emphatic taunts after catches against Terrell, underscoring a bruising vendetta that could shape his role in Tennessee’s passing game this season. If Ridley plays Friday, expect his competitive edge to translate into a notable fantasy upside as he builds timing with Cam Ward.

Two days of work showcased Ridley’s edge, Cam Ward’s early chemistry with Ridley, and a rivalry-laden backdrop that fantasy coaches will watch closely. The dynamic between Ridley, Ward, and a still-developing Titans offense could determine whether Ridley becomes a trusted blocker of volume or a mid-to-high-end upside option, especially in a division that often leans on dynamic receiving corps. The Falcons’ perspective on Ridley’s return remains mixed, but the real story is Ridley’s readiness to reclaim a meaningful target share in a more open, aggressive Titans aerial attack.

The Atlanta Falcons' cornerback unit experienced struggles during the 2024 season but is poised for improvement as the team enters the second year under head coach Raheem Morris. A.J. Terrell is expected to be the cornerstone of the secondary, while Mike Hughes and Dee Alford are set to start alongside him. The Falcons are looking to enhance their depth with the addition of fourth-round draft pick Billy Bowman, who is likely to shift to the nickel cornerback position. Clark Phillips III is also anticipated to see an expanded role as he progresses in his career.

A.J. Terrell, the standout cornerback for the Atlanta Falcons, has received a rather critical assessment from Pro Football Focus, ranking him outside the top 20 heading into the 2025 NFL season. Despite being a former first-round pick and earning a lucrative contract extension last offseason worth $81 million, Terrell's performance in 2024 was somewhat underwhelming. He started all 17 games, securing only two interceptions and allowing 45 receptions on 67 targets. The inconsistency of the Falcons' defense, coupled with a struggling pass rush, contributed to his less-than-stellar season.

With the coaching transition to Jeff Ulbrich, who previously guided Terrell in his rookie year, hopes are high for a bounce-back performance. His past accolades, including a remarkable 2021 season where he earned an 85.6 PFF coverage grade, hint at his potential. However, Terrell must replicate that success to regain his status among the elite cornerbacks in the league.

Daniel Jeremiah's latest mock draft has the Atlanta Falcons opting for a cornerback over the expected edge rusher. With the 15th overall pick, Jeremiah predicts that the Falcons will select Will Johnson from Michigan. This choice diverges from the trend of the past mocks, where a pass rusher was the consensus pick for Atlanta. Johnson, standing at 6-foot-2 and with nine career interceptions, is considered a polarizing prospect due to concerns about his tackling and speed. With potential free agents Mike Hughes and Dee Alford underwhelming in 2024, the Falcons' need for a corner makes sense. Jeremiah believes selecting Johnson will be a strategic move, potentially pairing him with A.J. Terrell in a more aggressive defense under new coordinator Jeff Ulbrich.