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Falcons' Draft Class: Only 3 Remain!
3 Sep
Summary
- Only three of eight Falcons' 2024 draft picks remain with the team.
- Michael Penix Jr. is in a starting quarterback battle for the upcoming season.
- Brandon Dorlus is a breakout candidate on the defensive line after a strong season.
As the Atlanta Falcons approach their third season under former general manager Terry Fontenot, a striking reality emerges: only three of the eight players drafted in 2024 remain with the team. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr., defensive tackle Brandon Dorlus, and linebacker JD Bertrand are the holdovers from that class.
Penix Jr., drafted eighth overall, faces an intense starting quarterback competition with Tua Tagovailoa as the season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers nears. After a promising but injury-shortened 2025 season, Penix Jr. must now solidify his position as the franchise quarterback. His performance will be closely watched, with potential future quarterback prospects already being discussed.
Defensive tackle Brandon Dorlus is a strong candidate for a breakout season in 2026. Following a productive 2025 campaign where he recorded 8.5 sacks, Dorlus is expected to be a key player on the defensive line, especially with significant absences from the edge rusher group. Meanwhile, linebacker JD Bertrand, a fifth-round pick, is recovering from an undisclosed injury that will sideline him for at least the first four games.
