Atlanta Falcons Depth Chart Released

Jan 13, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Jacquizz Rodgers (32) runs the ball in the fourth quarter of the NFC divisional playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 30-28. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

Yesterday, the Atlanta Falcons released their first “unofficial” depth chart for the coming season. D. Orlando Ledbetter notes, however, that just because the team called it “unofficial” in the press release, doesn’t actually mean it’s not the real thing.

You can check out the entire depth chart on the team site.

Here are my general thoughts on the “tentative” depth chart for the upcoming season:

• It is a bit surprising that Robert Alford is not listed at either kick returner or punt returner. The team has Jacquizz Rodgers as the only kick returner listed and Dominique Franks and Harry Douglas as the #1 and #2 punt returners, respectively. I was definitely expecting Alford’s name to show up somewhere on one of these specialty positions, and not seeing it is definitely the biggest surprise for me.
• It seems that, despite what we heard a few days ago, Desmond Trufant has beat out the aforementioned Robert Alford. This doesn’t really come as a huge surprise, because it seemed that Trufant was destined to grab a cornerback spot since the night he was drafted. Robert Alford is listed as Asante Samuel’s back up and the 4th CB behind Robert McClain, according to Jay Adams.
• Brian Banks is listed as the third string middle linebacker behind Akeem Dent and Pat Schiller.
• Levine Toilolo is behind Chase Coffman as the backup tight end.

What are your thoughts on the depth chart? Are you surprised Alford isn’t in a bigger role already? Do you think Brian Banks will end up being cut or making the team? Does the back up tight end actually matter since we have Tony Gonzalez? Let’s hear all of your opinions below in the comments!