FLOWERY BRANCH — Late in the offseason, the Falcons sought to improve the depth along the offensive and defensive lines.
Defensive tackle Prince Emili and offensive tackle Jaryd Jones-Smith, who both played in the United Football League this season, signed with the Falcons on June 20.
Offensive tackle Andrew Stueber, once a draft pick of New England, signed with the Falcons in early June.
The signings are in line with the team’s plan to constantly upgrade, even if it’s the backup tackle and defensive tackle position.
“We feel good about our roster,” assistant general manager Kyle Smith said after the draft. “Our minds, I don’t want you to take this the wrong way, but (on) the personnel side, you never feel like you’re a piece away. Like that’s not my job.
“My job is to always continue to find something else. That’s what we do every day ... watching tape and (thinking about) how can we upgrade? How can we go to the (Canadian Football League)? These new leads find something to upgrade, like we’re always constantly trying to upgrade.”
Emili played with the San Antonio Brahmas, and Jones-Smith played with the St. Louis Battlehawks. The Falcons released offensive lineman Nolan Potter and defensive lineman Willington Previlon to make room for the new players on the 90-man roster.
Emili, 25, who’s 6-foot-2 and 300 pounds, played at Pennsylvania. He spent time with the Saints and Bills after going undrafted in 2022. He has played in two NFL games.
Jones-Smith, 28, who’s 6-7 and 320 pounds, played at Pittsburgh. He was with the Raiders in 2020 and played in three games. He was with the Ravens in 2021 and played in three games.
To make room for Stueber, the team released wide receiver JaQuae Jackson.
Stueber, who was drafted by the Patriots in the seventh round (245th overall) of the 2022 draft, played at Michigan.
The Falcons list Stueber at 6-foot-7 and 338 pounds.
Here’s the updated depth chart:
OFFENSE
QB – Kirk Cousins, Taylor Heinicke, Michael Penix Jr., John Paddock
RB – Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier, Avery Williams, Carlos Washington Jr., Jase McClellan
FB – Robert Burns
WR – Drake London, Josh Ali, Austin Mack, Greg Washington, Dylan Drummond
Slot WR – Rondale Moore, Ray-Ray McCloud
TE – Kyle Pitts, Charlie Woerner, John FitzPatrick, Austin Stogner, Ross Dwelley
LT – Jake Matthews, Tyler Vrabel, Barry Wesley, Jaryd Jones-Smith
LG – Matthew Bergeron, John Leglue, Ryan Coll
C – Drew Dalman, Ryan Neuzil, Jovaughn Gwyn
RG – Chris Lindstrom, Kyle Hinton
RT – Kaleb McGary, Storm Norton, Andrew Sueber
WR – Darnell Mooney, KhaDarel Hodge, Chris Blair, Isaiah Wooden, Daylen Baldwin, OJ Hiliare.
DEFENSE 3-4 alignment
DE – Zach Harrison, Kentavius Street, Demone Harris, James Smith-Williams, Brandon Dorlus
NT – David Onyemata, LaCale London, Tommy Togiai, Eddie Goldman, Zion Logue
DT – Grady Jarrett, Kentavius Street, Ta’Quon Graham, Prince Emil, Ruke Orhorhoro
LOLB – Arnold Ebiketie, Bradlee Anae, Kehinde Oginni
LILB – Kaden Elliss, Donavan Mutin, Milo Eifler
RILB – Troy Andersen, Nate Landman, JD Bertrand
ROLB – Lorenzo Carter, DeAngelo Malone, Bralen Trice
CB – A.J. Terrell, Antonio Hamilton, Jayden Price, Anthony Sao
Nickel CB – Mike Hughes, Dee Alford, Trey Vaval
FS – Jessie Bates III, Micah Abernathy, Tre Tarpley III
SS – DeMarcco Hellams, Richie Grant, Lukas Denis, Dane Cruikshank
CB – Clark Phillips III, Natrone Brooks, Kevin King
SPECIAL TEAMS
K – Younghoe Koo
P/H – Bradley Pinion, Ryan Sanborn
LS – Liam McCullough
PR – Ray-Ray McCloud or Avery Williams
KOR – Ray-Ray McCloud or Avery Williams
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