FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — And just like that the summer dead period has come to a close. Coaches report Tuesday. Players return to the building. Practice begins Thursday. And then we're in the thick of it.
For the last five weeks, we've been been putting together position-by-position previews to get you geared up for an intriguing training camp to come. So, you already have a lot of information (much of which I will link to later on). With that thought in mind, I wracked my brain this week to try to figure out a fun way to present all of said information in a one-stop shop for all things Falcons training camp.
That's where Microsoft Copilot comes in.
Copilot is Microsoft's AI chat room. I used this function to ask the simple question:
"What is one question or storyline for each Falcons position group heading into the team's 2025 training camp?"
Within seconds, Copilot gave me a breakdown. Let's see how accurate said breakdown is...
Quarterback
Microsoft Copilot's storyline: Can Michael Penix Jr. solidify himself as the franchise QB?
Penix enters camp as the starter after replacing Kirk Cousins late last season. With Cousins still on the roster and making significantly more money, the dynamic between the two will be closely watched.
Is this accurate? Yep. I would definitely say so.
I was surprised Copilot went with Penix as the storyline if I am being honest. I thought there was going to be a lot more made about Cousins considering how much of the national dialogue he makes up. Still, I like that the focus is on Penix, where it should be. We know Penix is QB1. We know what he brings to the table — his three starts last season gave us all a lot to think about this offseason. We know he has the making to be given the opportunity to be the starter, but the question as to whether or not he can be a franchise quarterback is a big-picture idea that we have to keep in the back of our minds.
Some saw the Penix pick last NFL Draft as a gamble. It's one that pays off if Penix turns into a franchise guy. And if history has taught us anything, you'll know pretty early on if he is or not. A lot of the franchise quarterbacks working across the league at the moment solidified themselves as such in their first or second year in the league. It's Penix's turn to do make his mark. And that's regardless of what happens with Cousins.
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Running back
Microsoft Copilot's storyline: Will Bijan Robinson take the next step toward elite status?
Robinson had a strong rookie season, but the Falcons will want to see more. Tyler Allgeier remains a solid complement.
Is this accurate? Well, yes. But we can be more specific
I would argue, Copilot, that Robinson had a stronger second season than first. Finishing last year breaking the century mark in rushing yards. Still, though, you're right that he's elite and continuing to ascend. A specific area of growth for Robinson in his third year in the league is accumulating more explosives.
As Will McFadden wrote early this summer, it's something offensive coordinator Zac Robinson said they want to see an uptick in. It's something Robinson said he's working on "every single day."
"We're done with 30-yard runs and all that stuff," Robinson said. "Now it's time to get those 60 yards, 50 yards. So, I've been doing a lot more explosive drills. I've been doing a lot more running — 100 yards, like sprinting — so we can be prepared for, God willing, when those moments come in all the games."
So, when Copilot says that the Falcons "want to see more," this is the "more" of which everyone should be referring to.
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Wide receiver
Microsoft Copilot's storyline: Can Drake London become a true WR1 with Penix under center?
London has shown flashes, but the chemistry with Penix will be crucial. Rondale Moore and Jamal Agnew add depth and versatility.
Is this accurate? Eh, yes, but also, no.
I would push back on Copilot here. London has been WR1 since he was drafted to Atlanta. He doesn't need to become it. He already is it. But I will agree that the connection with Penix is crucial for furthering London's status as one of the best and most productive receivers in the league. We saw that connection play out in Penix's three starts last season, and as London himself said in this week's latest On The Rise episode, that connection has only grown this offseason.
As for Copilot's explainer, I need to point it to an updated roster. For starters, Moore is no longer on the roster. And while Agnew's addition does add depth, I would argue his versatility — or better yet, ability — as a return man is of the most value to the Falcons at this juncture without Avery Williams on the roster any longer, too. He may be listed as a receiver on the roster, but his special teams ability is what really strikes me about Agnew. That, and I think the Falcons are actually in a really good spot when it comes to wide receiver depth with the likes of Darnell Mooney, Ray-Ray McCloud, KhaDarel Hodge, Agnew, Casey Washington and even Chris Blair and Nick Nash on the training camp roster.
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Tight end
Microsoft Copilot's storyline: Is this the breakout year for Kyle Pitts?
Pitts has battled injuries and inconsistency. With a new QB and a more stable offensive system, this could be the year he reclaims his Pro Bowl form.
Is this accurate? Sure is.
I have to give it to Copilot. Redeemed itself after a little bit of inaccuracy in the wide receiver section. This one about Pitts is right on the money.
I don't need to tell you, Dear Reader, that this is a big year for Pitts. It's Year 5 for him — a contract year. Whether his next contract is with the Falcons or with another team, he needs a solid and productive year. One that shows he's one of the top tight ends in the game, worthy of that No. 4 overall pick back in 2021 and, yes Copilot, his Pro Bowl form of his rookie season.
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Offensive line
Microsoft Copilot's storyline: How will Ryan Neuzil fare as the new starting center?
The only change among returning starters is at center, where Neuzil replaces Drew Dalman. His ability to anchor the line and sync with Penix will be key.
Is this accurate? Yep.
Copilot is on a role. This is the exact right question and storyline to focus on when it comes to the offensive line. I would take it a step further, though, to add: Who provides depth behind Neuzil? It's great that the Falcons have Neuzil — a player who not only started a handful of games last year but has taken significant snaps with Penix — but I still think they need a backup for Neuzil. Even when things were good with Dalman last year, there were eight games in which you needed a backup (i.e. Neuzil). That, and a little competition never hurt anyone.
Outside of Neuzil, the players on the roster with center experience are players like Michael Gonzalez, Matthew Cindric and Jovaughn Gwyn. Which of these three can solidify themselves as Neuzil's backup?
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Defensive line
Microsoft Copilot's storyline: Can the revamped interior generate consistent pressure?
With Grady Jarrett gone and additions like Morgan Fox and Eddie Goldman, the Falcons need their defensive tackles to step up against both the run and pass.
Is this accurate? Meh. Could use a little more context.
I don't think I would call the interior defensive line "revamped." That word — to me — indicates more change than what was actually done to this group. Yes, Jarrett is gone, and the Falcons have to find ways (even beyond the interior) to counteract his absence. And while I do think Fox is going to play a larger role than what some may think, Goldman isn't even on this roster. C'mon Copilot! You were doing so well.
Still, I think the names that weren't mentioned by Copilot are actually the ones we need to focus the most on. I am talking Ruke Orhorhoro, Zach Harrison and Brandon Dorlus. The 2025 season is a big one for these three, specifically. Orhorhoro and Dorlus' roles should greatly expand this season in comparison to their rookie years. While I expect Harrison to be an important, if not overlooked, piece of this defensive front. Those are the guys I'm watching this training camp and preseason period.
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Edge rusher
Microsoft Copilot's storyline: How quickly can rookies Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. contribute?
Atlanta invested heavily in pass rush during the draft. Walker and Pearce are expected to be immediate impact players, but their development will be closely monitored.
Is this accurate? Couldn't have said it better myself.
It doesn't take a rocket scientist — or AI — to know this is the storyline of 2025, pointblank period. You don't spend a No. 11 overall pick and trade back up in the first round for yet another edge rusher and not have this expectation.
All eyes are on what the Falcons do with Walker and Pearce. For a team in the bottom quartile in pass rush production over the last five years, this is a team-wide, organizational storyline not just the position group. Can the Falcons' improve their pass rush? It's imperative that they do, and the hope is that its their first-round draft picks leading that charge.
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Inside linebacker
Microsoft Copilot's storyline: What does the rotation look like with Judon and Deablo added?
Matthew Judon brings veteran leadership, while Divine Deablo adds versatility. How they mesh with returning players will shape the defensive identity.
Is this accurate? OOP—
No.
Don't worry, Copilot, you got about half of this storyline right. I am curious to see what the rotation looks like with Divine Deablo on this roster, because he absolutely will be in line for a starting spot. Judon? Erm... no. Another player not even on this roster!
I would argue that there are a number of more specific questions for this group. I can name three just off the top of my head: How does Jeff Ulbrich's scheme affect this group? What role will Troy Andersen have in 2025? Will Kaden Elliss' role look similar to what it did in 2024? If so, what level of production should we expect?
Along with Deablo's addition to the room, I think those questions are way more important to this roster at the moment than Copilot's.
Sorry, Copilot.
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Cornerback
Microsoft Copilot's storyline: Is this the year A.J. Terrell returns to All-Pro form?
Terrell had a down year by his standards. With better pass rush support, he could bounce back and lead a talented secondary.
Is this accurate? Hmm... *shrugs*
OK. I guess, yes, it is accurate but this is not at all the question we need to be asking nor the storyline we need to focus on. I am not worried about Terrell in the slightest. I don't think he had a "down year" last year, either. I am glad Copilot added "by his standards" to the end of that sentence. Otherwise I would have raged.
Still, I am none too pleased that we're not talking about the battle at nickel right now. It's arguably the truest camp battle there is this preseason! The Falcons have a three-man race between Dee Alford, Clark Phillips III and Billy Bowman Jr. I am very intrigued by what this specific competition could yield. Training camp is going to be the foundational ground for a decision — if Ulbrich even wants to have a traditional nickel package at all. But I digress...
This may be my fault for not communicating to Copilot that I wanted the nickel position looped into the cornerback conversation. I will take the L on this one.
Recommended reading:
- Finding Falcons: Billy Bowman Jr.
- Training camp preview: Cornerbacks
Safety
Microsoft Copilot's storyline: Who emerges from a crowded and competitive safety room?
The Falcons added Xavier Watts, Billy Bowman Jr., and Justin Simmons to a group that already included Richie Grant and Jordan Fuller. Training camp will be a battle for starting roles.
Is this accurate? The question is right, but the explainer is very, very wrong.
I think Copilot keeps mixing up the 2024 and 2025 roster in its analysis. Still, it asked the right question. A big storyline within this group is who solidifies themselves as the starter alongside Jessie Bates III.
Copilot got Xavier Watts right by listing him. I would argue its his spot to earn. Still, don't forget Fuller, who the Falcons picked up in free agency this spring. He has the experience as a long-time player in this league that could buy Watts time if he needs it. Oh, and DeMarcco Hellams returns to full strength after a season-ending injury last year. I am very interested to see what role he ultimately carves out for himself in this defense, too.
Recommended reading:
- Finding Falcons: Xavier Watts
- Jordan Fuller looking for 'fresh start' in Atlanta
- Training camp preview: Safeties
Special teams
Microsoft Copilot's storyline: Can the Falcons maintain elite special teams play with new faces in key roles?
With long-time special teams contributors like Cordarrelle Patterson gone and new additions like Jamal Agnew and rookie Ryan Rehkow (punter), the unit is undergoing a transition. The battle for return duties and consistency in the kicking game will be closely watched.
Is this accurate? It definitely made me laugh.
Who is this Rehkow person? First I'm hearing of him. Don't know how a Cincinnati Bengals punter got on Copilot's radar. Also, c'mon Copilot, Patterson hasn't been on this roster in two years. I was trying to help you out by pointing out you're mixing up the 2024 and 2025 rosters, but now you're going back to 2023? Again I say: C'mon!
I am glad you brought up Agnew, though. Redeemed yourself somewhat. But to not mention Younghoe Koo or Lenny Krieg? When that is one of the most notable competitions of the season? What are we doing, Copilot? You lost your touch.
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