Atlanta Falcons players on the cusp of making roster, or not

Atlanta Falcons

Falcons players on bubble

The Falcons must cut the roster from 90 players to 75 by Aug. 27 and to a final 53 by Aug. 31. Competition for several roster spots remains fierce. Here are some of the choices that could be made.

Steven Jackson, in his first year with Atlanta, appears ready to roll to another 1,000-yard season. Jacquizz Rodgers and Jason Snelling seal the Falcons' depth. Smith (35), who was first signed to the practice squad in October 2009, will likely be a special teams stalwart.

Marcus Jackson (16), who has played two seasons of Arena Football, has the potential to add to the Falcons' depth at wide receiver.

Behind Tony Gonzalez at tight end the Falcons have fourth round pick Levine Toilolo (80) and Chase Coffman, who was added to the Falcons' 53-man roster last November. Toilolo is developing as blocker, while Coffman has been working on keeping his balance when blocking.

At 25, Ryan Schraeder is the second-oldest rookie in the undrafted free agency class behind linebacker Brian Banks. Schraeder, who played at Valdosta State, is an intriguing tackle prospect.

Joe Hawley (61), a fourth-round pick by the Falcons in 2010, is among 10 offensive linemen battling for four open spots.

Travian Robertson, a Falcons seventh round pick in 2012, is almost a shoo-in for one of two spots open on the defensive line.

Brian Banks (53), a 28-year-old rookie linebacker who lost 10 years of his football prime to a wrongful rape conviction, appears to be a longshot to make the 53-man roster.

Robert James (51), drafted by the in 2008, could be part of a Falcons' linebacker corps that has grown on the strengths of the likes of Sean Weatherspoon, Akeem Dent (52), Stephen Nicholas (54).

Defensive back Shann Schillinger (29) appears to have the inside line at safety.

Kemal Ishmael, a safety who was a Falcons' seventh-round pick in 2013, has potential to unseat Shann Schillinger at safety.

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The Falcons must cut the roster from 90 players to 75 by Aug. 27 and to a final 53 by Aug. 31. Competition for several roster spots remains fierce. Here are some of the choices that could be made: Dominique Davis appears to have locked up the No. 2 position behind Matt Ryan. Seventh-round draft pick Sean Renfree (12) got some minutes in preseason game against Baltimore with a few shots to win the game. Renfree is likely competing for practice squad spot with undrafted free agent Seth Doege.

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