Atlanta Falcons: Seven Final Preseason Position Battles

Linebacker

Current third year starters Deion Jones, a pro bowl player, and DeVandre Campbell, are firmly entrenched in their starting spots. After that it gets dicey. Duke Riley is almost certain to make the team, but his staring spot could be in question, after a shaky preseason performance. Foyesade Oluokun was drafted in the sixth round of this year’s draft out of Yale. The 6’2, 229 pound, hybrid linebacker – safety, has shown great speed, and good ability to read and diagnose plays. He’s also been impressive on special teams kick coverage.

Veteran Kemal Ishmael has a great shot to make the team. His versatility allows him to play strong safety in a pinch. Jonathan Celestin, 6’1 232 pounds, from the University of Minnesota, leads the Falcons in tackles this preseason. Another powerful performance, could propel him to the Atlanta Falcons active roster. He, a lot like former Falcons linebacker Paul Warrilow, could be a guy who plays his way into meaningful defensive snaps as an undrafted free agent. Other candidates for the linebacker position are Emanuel Ellerbe from Rice University, Emanuel Smith of Vanderbilt, and Dewey Jarvis of Brown University.