Atlanta Falcons Training Camp: Who Might Be Moving Up the Depth Chart

(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga.—Sure, Tony Gonzalez adds a new dimension to the Atlanta Falcons.

But he's not necessarily the final piece to the puzzle. When asked how good the Falcons could be with his addition, the former Kansas City Chiefs star smiled and assured he wasn't the missing link.

"It remains to be seen, but we're going to be very good but not just because of me," Gonzalez said. "They were very good last year and right now, I'm not here trying to catch 100 balls and save the day. I'm going to come here and do what I always do. When they call on me, to call my play, I'm going to try to produce."

Gonzalez appears happy with his new team, one he hopes can take him farther than the Chiefs were able to do.

Gonzalez, as most of the offense, has locked up most of the positions on the depth chart. With that said, here's how I would list the depth chart (my opinion) before Falcons coach Mike Smith and his staff releases their version.

Quarterback: First team: Matt Ryan, second team: D.J. Shockley, third team: Chris Redman

The battle at quarterback is for the backup spot behind Ryan, and I think Shockley's made the best case. Shockley refrains from mistakes and is moving well outside the pocket.

Shockley's arm is stronger than Redman's and he's got more upside with his athleticism.

But Smith said the backup spot is still up for grabs.

"I think D.J.'s had a good first four or five days as well as the other guys," Smith said. "That to me is another area we will have a competitive situation throughout the entire camp. But I don't think there has been anybody that has cemented that backup quarterback spot."

Running back: First team: Michael Turner, second team: Jerious Norwood, third team: Jason Snelling, fourth team: Thomas Brown and/or Verron Haynes

This is as solid of a group as you will find. Turner is coming off a 1,799-yard season and is one of the best running backs in the NFL. Norwood has shown an extra burst during the preseason, and over time, could emerge as a top running back elsewhere in the league. 

Behind those two is Jason Snelling, who acts as a running back/fullback hybrid. Snelling is a solid blocker and can carry the ball as a power back.

Brown and Haynes round out the group, and could possibly both make the team contributing a lot on special teams. Haynes played for the Steelers for six seasons before sitting out last year. Haynes serves as a good short yardage option who can also block in the fullback position.

Brown's best chance at making the 53-man roster lies on special teams, as his spot isn't guaranteed with the running backs being pretty strong at the top.

"I know (getting cut is) realistic, but I always try to stay positive and keep negative things out of my mind," Brown said. "My way is focusing on getting better and sticking around for as long as I can."

Fullback: Ovie Mughelli

Mughelli is one of the best fullbacks in the NFL, and the only true fullback on Atlanta's roster. Mughelli is also someone the Falcons may try to get more involved in other aspects of the game.

Wide receiver: First string: Roddy White (assuming he returns to camp), second string: Michael Jenkins, third string: Brian Finneran, fourth string: a mixture of rookies and second-year free agent signees.

Assuming ESPN's Adam Schefter is correct, losing Harry Douglas is a huge blow to the Falcons receiving unit. Douglas was perfect as a slot receiver. He could work underneath routes while Roddy White and Michael Jenkins control the outside.

Without Douglas, Atlanta doesn't have a proven slot receiver and may try a few guys that would otherwise serve sparingly.

White is in the midst of contract talks with the Falcons, as he's asking for "Larry Fitzgerald-type money." As White continues to miss camp, Jenkins and Finneran will need to step up. For Finneran, who had only 21 receptions for 169 yards in 2008, this could be one of his last go-arounds as he enters his 11th season.

Some guys vying for spots in training camp are Troy Bergeron, Chandler Williams, Eric Weems, Aaron Kelly, Bradon Godfrey and Darren Mougey. The most suitable for the slot are Williams, Weems and Bergeron but a guy like Kelly could have value as he's 6'5" and possesses decent speed.

Tight end: First team: Tony Gonzalez, second team: Justin Peelle, third team: Ben Hartsock

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