Week 2 run-game grading spotlighted the mix of dominant blocking and stout defense. Jordan Mailata anchored Philadelphia's ground game with a 90.8 run-blocking grade, continuing his ascent after 2024. Darnell Wright (HM, 90.7) drove Chicago's run-blocking, while Ed Ingram (83.6) and Ezra Cleveland (HM 77.4) showed top-grade blocking in their zones.

Defensively, Demario Davis led linebackers at 88.8, while Nolan Smith posted a 90.1 run-defense mark—the best among all players—with two run stops and a forced fumble. Matthew Butler (89.7) and Derrick Brown (84.0) added strong run-defense. These marks inform Week 3 fantasy pivots and DFS targets.

Atlanta bolsters its interior by signing Jake Hanson at center and Ronnie Harrison at safety, expanding veteran depth on the 90-man roster. To make room, the Falcons released Michael Gonzalez and placed Grayland Arnold on reserve/injured list, setting up Ryan Neuzil to potentially step in for Drew Dalman. Hanson’s presence adds starting experience behind Neuzil, while Harrison provides a seasoned safety option as camp begins. The move signals a measured, competition-driven approach to fill key roles before the season.

Hanson, a 28-year-old with stints in Green Bay and New York, brings 30 NFL games and seven starts to a position group that needs reliable depth. Harrison, also 28, has 84 games and 48 starts since 2018, giving the Falcons a veteran floor at safety. The roster shuffle continues Atlanta’s trend of layering depth with AFL-level experience, improving the building blocks around the offense’s core and the defense’s secondary.

The Atlanta Falcons are gearing up for the 2025 NFL season with high hopes of breaking their postseason drought. With training camp opening soon, the team has made significant changes, particularly on defense, and will look to build on last year's offensive success, retaining ten of eleven starters. Michael Penix Jr. is set to lead as the new starting quarterback, replacing Kirk Cousins, who remains on the roster as a potentially expensive backup. The running back corps features Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier, promising value given their combined cap hit, while a deep wide receiver squad led by Drake London and Darnell Mooney looks poised for production. The Falcons’ offensive line, anchored by Jake Matthews and Kaleb McGary, will need to support a new center in Ryan Neuzil. Defensively, young talents like Ruke Orhorhoro and Zach Harrison will fill crucial roles alongside veterans like David Onyemata as the Falcons aim for a well-rounded team. The upcoming training camp will be crucial for finalizing the roster as head coach Arthur Smith emphasizes performance under pressure.

The Atlanta Falcons have garnered attention for their offensive line, which Pro Football Focus has ranked among the top 10 units in the NFL for the upcoming season. This recognition comes despite the absence of starting center Drew Dalman, suggesting the depth and skill across the line is significant. The team boasts standout tackles Jake Matthews and Kaleb McGary, alongside quality guards Chris Lindstrom and Matthew Bergeron.

Ryan Neuzil, who previously filled in for Dalman during his injury, is set to step into the center position. While Neuzil may lack extensive experience, his eight starts last season showed he is capable of holding his ground. The Falcons’ offensive line appears ready to protect their quarterback and bolster the run game, essential for their strategy moving forward.