Michael Penix Jr. arrives in Atlanta with a reenergized Falcons squad, drawing Rams staff comparisons to Matthew Stafford for arm strength, accuracy, and vision. The chemistry is forming quickly with London, Pitts, Bijan, and McCloud, while the veteran line provides stability for the early tests against aggressive defenses. The competition at receiver—Darnell Mooney’s injury status, David Sills V and Casey Washington flashing, and McCloud’s contribution—shapes the Week 1 outlook, as Penix faces a stiff opening slate.

Defensively, Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. give Atlanta versatility and edge capability, with Divine Deablo energizing the middle and A.J. Terrell sharpening zone skills. The plan emphasizes speed and bite on the edge with Onyemata anchoring the interior, while the front office leans into a holistic, flexible approach under Ulbrich. All signs point to optimistic growth for Penix and a more cohesive Falcons attack, even as early-season bumps loom against the Buccaneers and Vikings.

Las Vegas overhauled its linebacker corps this offseason, replacing Spillane and Deablo as the Raiders lean on a veteran-led rebuild. Elandon Roberts is slated to anchor the group, with Jamal Adams, Devin White, and Germaine Pratt brought in to bring versatility, leadership, and playmaking upside. Adams’ move from safety to LB is highlighted, alongside White’s reclamation arc and Pratt’s steady veteran presence, creating a markedly different room from last year.

Roberts stands out as the most consistent, proven option in a room loaded with names that carry question marks. He logged nearly 500 Steelers snaps last season, earning elite marks in run defense (90.4 run-stop grade) but weaker in coverage (50.9). The Raiders expect him to set the tone, mentor newcomers, and stabilize the defense as they blend four veterans with a pair of big-name newcomers in Adams and White, plus Pratt, in a scheme overseen by Graham with input from Pete Carroll’s perspective.

Fantasy angles center on Roberts as a high-floor, tackle-heavy option whose presence could buoy the run-stopping ceiling of the unit. Adams and White bring blitz and disruption potential, Pratt adds versatility, and the overall LB corps should generate more consistent back-end production if deployment aligns with strengths. The Raiders’ approach is to leverage Roberts as the anchor while others rotate into familiar roles behind him, maximizing the group’s collective impact in a more stable, leadership-driven defense.

The Atlanta Falcons have made headlines with their offseason moves, but the spotlight is now on linebacker Divine Deablo, named the biggest surprise of the OTAs. Deablo, who previously played for the Las Vegas Raiders, started 14 games last season, recording 63 tackles and one sack. His impressive performance during the offseason has made him a potential candidate for a starting position, especially following the team's decision not to re-sign Nate Landman or Lorenzo Carter.

As a cost-effective addition at a base salary of $1.66 million, Deablo’s integration into the Falcons' defensive lineup could significantly bolster their overall performance. With expectations rising, Deablo’s ability to transition from a depth role to a starting linebacker will be crucial for the Falcons as they prepare for the upcoming season.

The Atlanta Falcons have made significant moves in their linebacker unit for the upcoming 2025 season. Kaden Elliss, a veteran linebacker, is set to take the helm of the inside linebacker group, supported by newcomers Divine Deablo and JD Bertrand, as well as Troy Andersen. With Nate Landman moving to the Los Angeles Rams, Deablo's acquisition from free agency is expected to bolster the defense considerably. The Falcons, having revamped other defensive positions, are banking on this trio to effectively anchor the linebacker core as they aim for a more competitive season.

The Atlanta Falcons have committed to utilizing their first-round draft pick from the 2025 NFL Draft primarily as an edge rusher, aiming to ease the rookie into the league without overwhelming him. This pick represents a strategic addition to a defense that has been bolstered by offseason acquisitions, including veterans like Leonard Floyd and Divine Deablo. The Falcons are looking to maximize the potential of their young talent while ensuring that they maintain competitive performance right from the start of the season.