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Atlanta Falcons 2026 Pre-Training Camp Positional Room Preview: Defensive Line
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- Atlanta Falcons 2026 Pre-Training Camp Positional Room Preview: Defensive Line
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
The Atlanta Falcons are just a couple of weeks away from getting started with training camp and fans getting a look at what the product is going to be this season in year one of the Kevin Stefanski era.
It feels like there is more excitement than has surrounded the team in some time, and while quarterback may be a question, the roster is in as strong of a spot as it's has been for years. Great players litter the team and while some groups are stronger than others, the overall product is solid.
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One group which is one of the more interesting on the team is the defensive line outside of the edge rushers, and while the depth may be a question, there is a strong group of starters. Here are the four names you need to know in the room headed into the year.
Zach Harrison , DE
Harrison is the leader of this unit and was looking like he was on the cusp of a massive breakout with career-highs in numerous categories before his knee injury in October wound up costing him the rest of the season. Now fully healthy and ready for camp, Harrison hopes to build on his first month and experience a complete and dominant year.
Should he be able to stay on the field, Atlanta is betting big that Harrison is going to break out.
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Da'Shawn Hand, NT
The Falcons signed the former Alabama standout to a one-year, $3 million deal this past offseason, and while he specializes more in stopping the run, he does that extremely effectively and will be an important piece. He will not play every down, but Atlanta does not need him to. If Hand can simply do what he's done throughout his career and give some good work in the trenches, this will have been a great deal.
Brandon Dorlus , DE
Dorlus did not do a ton as a rookie in 2024, but 2025 was his breakout and inspired hope that he can be a future cornerstone of the line. With 8.5 sacks, the former fourth round pick will look to take that next step once again this year and prove that he is one of the best young pass rushers in football.
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Ultimately, whether Dorlus is able to do that may determine just how high the ceiling of this line is.
Maason Smith , DT
The Falcons acquired Smith via a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars during the draft, and they are going to have to try to unlock what made him the 48th overall selection of the 2024 NFL Draft. He has not been able to find any sort of consistent impact, and Atlanta hopes their scheme is a better fit to be able to start making waves.
He was considered a very high-ceiling prospect coming out of LSU, so perhaps buying low on him could wind up paying off in a huge way.
