Atlanta Falcons: A way too early 53-man roster prediction

Safeties: (5, 53/53)

1. Keanu Neal
2. Damontae Kazee
3. Ricardo Allen
4. Sharrod Neasman
5. Jaylinn Hawkins

As long as Keanu Neal can stay healthy after having two back-to-back season-ending injuries this unit will be strong in 2020. Neal when healthy is one of the best safeties in the NFL as his first two seasons in the league he had over 100 tackles in each.

Damontae Kazee has been a gem since he was selected in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. His best season was in 2018 when he had 82 tackles, a forced fumble, and seven interceptions. His play diminished in 2019 but he has played in every game over his three-year career so far.

Ricardo Allen has been with the Falcons for the past five seasons and can play at either strong or free safety. He has been a solid starter with Neal out of the lineup the past two years and can start in a pinch if the team needs him too.

Sharrod Neasman was a UDFA that made the Falcons team back in 2016 and has been productive when called upon. His best year was in 2018 and he is a solid backup option for the Atlanta Falcons.

This past draft the Falcons drafted Jaylinn Hawkins in the fourth-round to provide depth but most importantly if Neal suffers another big injury. Hawkins is another Dann Quinn player who is versatile and can play at corner, free safety, and strong safety.

The addition of Hawkins leaves Jamal Carter outside of making the roster but that is what happened in 2019. Carter was on the practice squad a year ago and got called up after the Neal injury.

Surprise Cut: Jamal Carter

This is how I see the 53-man roster shaking out for the Atlanta Falcons in 2020. A few key veterans do not make the team opening it up for the younger players. The Atlanta Falcons did a nice job at adding talent in free agency and the draft this year.

It should be an interesting training camp and preseason to see how everything with play out and who survives that final cut at the end of the preseason.