Latest news with #JeffUlbrich
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
James Pearce, other Falcons went "a little too far" in practice scuffles Sunday
Falcons first-round pick James Pearce was in the middle of the fray during Sunday's training camp practice. Pearce scuffled with left guard Matthew Bergeron and right tackle Kaleb McGary on back-to-back plays during a drill pitting the first-team offense against the second-team defense. Pearce's fellow edge rusher Leonard Floyd got involved both times as well and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich said after the session that the rookie's "anger got the best of him a little bit. "We're trying to develop a culture, a style of play for sure, and part of that is the violence with which we play and aggression, the urgency and all that," defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich said, via Marc Raimondi of "Today, at times, it went a little too far and we've got to learn how to manage that. You're going to get agitated and, especially when you're playing really good defense, the offense is going to get very agitated, so you've got to anticipate punches being thrown, things being said, people getting pushed. In those moments, you got to thrive and not retaliate and so it's a good lesson to be learned today." The Falcons are over a week away from their first preseason game, so Pearce and the rest of the club are going to have to try to find ways to make cooler heads prevail for a little while longer before they'll have a chance to let out their aggression on players in other jerseys.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Atlanta Falcons training camp: Highlights, updates from Day 3
Training camp is in full swing for the Atlanta Falcons. The team completed its third practice on Sunday morning, and Falcons legend Matt Ryan even stopped by to get a look at the new crew. While Atlanta has been cautious with players thus far, things got a little testy between the offense and defense. Center Ryan Neuzil, rookie James Pearce Jr., guard Matthew Bergeron and linebacker Leonard Floyd got into a minor scuffle. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich didn't like what happened but said he was pleased with Pearce's ability to make "amazing plays" after the incident, per 11Alive reporter Maria Martin. The Falcons practiced without their other first-round pick, Jalon Walker, along with defensive lineman Zach Harrison and wide receiver Darnell Mooney. While there's been no major update on Mooney's status, ESPN and NFL Network reported that he would be out a "few weeks." The team is off Monday but will return on Tuesday for a fully padded practice. The Falcons' video team released a highlight compilation from Day 3 on the team's official YouTube channel. Watch below. Falcons training camp: Highlights from Day 3 Falcons open practice schedule July 29: 9:30 a.m. ET July 31: 9:30 a.m. ET August 4: 9:30 a.m. ET August 5: 9:30 a.m. ET August 6: 9:30 a.m. ET August 11: 9:30 a.m. ET August 12: 9:40 a.m. ET (joint practice) August 13: 9:40 a.m. ET (joint practice) This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons: Training camp highlights, updates from Day 3
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Falcons rookie safety takes reps with first-team defense
The Atlanta Falcons completed their second training camp practice on Saturday morning, and they continue to tweak things on defense. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich is making sure to see what he's got at all positions, including safety. Third-round pick Xavier Watts was considered one of the draft's biggest steals, and he's already getting reps with the first-team defense. The Falcons signed veteran Jordan Fuller to start next to Jessie Bates III, but that was before they traded up for Watts. The former Notre Dame standout was touted as "one of the best ball-hawking safeties in the class" by Pro Football Focus, finishing the 2024 season with six interceptions and a coverage grade of 89.5. Atlanta has so many new faces on defense that it makes sense for Ulbrich try different rotations. Thus far, he hasn't been shy about doing so along the defensive line. Aside from Watts running with the first-team defense, Ulbrich used several different combinations up front, per team reporter Tori McElhaney. "This is a heavily rotating DL, so they are getting a lot of work with the 1st and 2nd team," McElhaney wrote on Twitter. "Same with Ruke Orhorhoro, Brandon Dorlus, David Onyemata, Zach Harrison, Leonard Floyd, Arnold Ebiketie, etc. The pairings and groupings are ever changing almost play in and play out." The Falcons finished 31st in the NFL with 31 defensive sacks last season and have since lost Pro Bowl defensive tackle Grady Jarrett. Orhorhoro and Dorlus didn't receive much playing time as rookies, but both are expected to help fill the void in 2025. Ebiketie is entering a contract year and should have every incentive to play his best this season. The former second-round pick has added competition with rookies Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. expected to play major roles as well. Falcons wide receiver DJ Chark Jr. made his camp debut on Saturday. The former Pro Bowler was spotted wearing a the No. 16 as he looks to help fill in for an injured Darnell Mooney (shoulder). Check out the team's updated 90-man roster. This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons: Rookie Xavier Watts reps with first-team defense
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Falcons training camp: Previewing each defensive position group
The Atlanta Falcons defense lost its way late in the season as the team squandered a chance for a playoff berth in the NFC. General manager Terry Fontenot and head coach Raheem Morris were determined to get this unit back on track, and the team's offseason moves reflected that. The Falcons brought in Jeff Ulbrich to replace Jimmy Lake as the defensive coordinator, and selected two edge rushers in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft. With training camp approaching, many will be watching the team's new-look defense, especially rookies Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. Advertisement Atlanta also upgraded in the secondary and said goodbye to franchise legend Grady Jarrett. Check out our pre-training camp preview of each position group on the Falcons defense below. And don't forget to read our offensive preview. Falcons Defensive Line Breakdown LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 16: Ruke Orhorhoro #98 and Kentavius Street #93 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrate a tackle against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first quarter in the game at Allegiant Stadium on December 16, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by) The Falcons have said they want to play their young players more in 2025, which leads me to think they will start Ruke Orhorhoro and Zach Harrison next to defensive tackle David Onyemata. Orhorhoro played sparingly as a rookie but the team traded up to the 35th overall pick to draft him in 2024. Morgan Fox has a chance to play a key role as well, but I expect the team to use a heavy rotation at all three spots. Advertisement NT depth chart: David Onyemata Kentavius Street LaCale London LDE depth chart: Ruke Orhorhoro Morgan Fox Simeon Barrow Jr. RDE depth chart: Zach Harrison Ta'Quon Graham Brandon Dorlus 2025 salary cap hits for Falcons DL: Onyemata: $16,925,000 Fox: $2,500,000 Orhorhoro: $2,253,665 Harrison: $1,518,667 Graham: $1,337,500 Street: $1,197,500 Dorlus: $1,165,599 London: $960,000 Barrow Jr.: $850,000 As you can see above, Onyemata's 2025 salary cap hit is over six times higher than the next defensive lineman on the team. The Falcons don't have much money committed to the position outside of Onyemata. Fox, who signed with the team as a free agent, has the second-highest cap hit at just $2.5 million this season. Only one other defensive lineman, Ruke Orhorhoro, will top the $2 million mark this season. Overall, this group is set to earn around $29 million in 2025. Top free agent DL available: Jadeveon Clowney Raekwon Davis DeMarcus Walker Austin Johnson The Falcons have a few decent options to choose from if they want more help up front. Jadeveon Clowney is by far the best free agent available at the position, and he would make some sense if the Falcons aren't confident in their current group. Raekwon Davis and DeMarcus Walker are other options, while Austin Johnson could be a name to watch at the defensive tackle spot. Advertisement Predictions/expectations for DL in 2025: With Jarrett in Chicago, the Falcons will look to a few different players to replace him in 2025. Morgan Fox and Ruke Orhorhoro are both in the mix to start up front. It will likely come down to who performs best in training camp, which begins on July 24. Zach Harrison is in line for an expanded role, and second-year defensive lineman Ruke Orhorhoro could also start for Atlanta. While this group has some promising talent, it's arguably the team's weakest position overall. Onyemata is a proven veteran but the rest of the group is relatively untested. Falcons Outside Linebacker Breakdown Jun 11, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons linebacker Jalon Walker (11) shown during Minicamp at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images This is where the team's depth chart starts to get tricky. While I think both rookies will be starting by the end of the season, Leonard Floyd and Arnold Ebiketie have the experience advantage. The team could initially use Walker in a hybrid role, alternating him between edge rusher and off-ball linebacker. Expect this group to rotate quite a bit while defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich finds a lineup that works best. Advertisement ROLB depth chart: Jalon Walker Arnold Ebiketie Bralen Trice Khalid Kareem LOLB depth chart: James Pearce Jr. Leonard Floyd DeAngelo Malone 2025 salary cap hits for Falcons OLBs: Leonard Floyd: $10,000,000 Jalon Walker: $3,738,612 James Pearce Jr.: $3,050,688 Arnold Ebiketie: $2,805,948 DeAngelo Malone: $1,663,957 Bralen Trice: $1,347,667 Khalid Kareem: $1,030,000 At $10 million, Floyd is by far the highest paid of Atlanta's edge rushers in terms of his 2025 salary cap number. The Falcons have roughly $24 million in total cap space committed to the position this season. Rookies Walker and Pearce hold the second- and third-highest cap numbers at $3,738,612 and $3,050,688, respectively. Ebiketie isn't far behind with cap hit of $2.8 million. Top free agent OLBs available: Za'Darius Smith Matthew Judon Von Miller Jalen Reeves-Maybin As we just examined, the Falcons actually have a pretty deep group of outside linebackers. However, NFL teams always have to be aware of who's available, and there are a few notable names. Smith is the top name on the list, but he'll likely be signed before the season begins,. After that, it's a mixture of veterans, including Matthew Judon and Von Miller. Advertisement Predictions/expectations for OLBs in 2025: While there's a lot to be excited about with this edge group, history suggests that fans should temper their expectations. Both Walker and Pearce have immense upside, but it may take some time before they hit their stride. Floyd is a solid veteran who I expect to play a big role, along with Ebiketie. Also, don't sleep on Bralen Trice. The former third-round pick looked good before suffering a season-ending injury during the 2024 preseason. Falcons Inside Linebacker Breakdown ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 26: Kaden Elliss #55 of the Atlanta Falcons reacts after making a tackle in the second quarter of the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 26, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) Elliss is the heartbeat of this group. The veteran linebacker had a career year in 2024, and will look to lead the unit as the team transitions to defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich in 2025. The Falcons signed free agent Divine Deablo, who should battle Troy Andersen for the other starting gig. Andersen, a former second-round pick, has been solid when healthy, but he's had trouble staying on the field. Deablo is another experienced veteran who's impressed the coaching staff thus far at OTAs. Advertisement Right ILB depth chart: Kaden Elliss JD Bertrand Caleb Johnson Malik Verdon Elliss is the heartbeat of this group. The veteran linebacker had a career year in 2024, and will look to lead the unit as the team transitions to defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich in 2025. Bertrand was a fifth-round pick last year and saw the field more than much of the team's 2024 draft class. Johnson is an experienced veteran who can add depth. Verdon is a former safety who projects as an inside linebacker. Left ILB depth chart: Divine Deablo Troy Andersen Josh Woods Nick Kubitz The other inside linebacker job is up for grabs. The team signed free agent Divine Deablo, who should battle Troy Andersen for the starting gig. Andersen, a former second-round pick, has been solid when healthy, but he's had trouble staying on the field. Deablo is another experienced veteran who's impressed the coaching staff thus far at OTAs. Advertisement 2025 salary cap hits for Falcons ILBs: Kaden Elliss: $8,500,000 Divine Deablo: $4,940,000 Troy Andersen: $1,942,046 JD Bertrand: $1,047,506 Caleb Johnson: $1,030,000 Josh Woods: $1,030,000 Nick Kubitz: $845,000 Malik Verdon: $843,333 As you can see, the team has around $20 million in cap space going to the inside linebacker position this season. Elliss has the highest cap hit ($8.5 million), while Deablo's cap hit is second on the team at just under $5 million. Former second-round pick Troy Andersen is due $1.94 million. Second-year linebacker JD Bertrand is fourth on the team with a cap hit of $1,047,506 this season. Top free agent ILBs available: CJ Mosley (retired) De'Vondre Campbell Eric Kendricks Kwon Alexander The Falcons won't have many options if they're forced to look to free agency. The top two options -- CJ Mosley and De'Vondre Campbell -- may be done with football. Campbell's 2024 season with the 49ers ended in controversy while Mosley just announced his retirement from the NFL. Eric Kendricks and Kwon Alexander are decent options if the team is looking to add more depth. Advertisement Predictions/expectations for Falcons ILBs in 2025: This group will be interesting to watch in 2025, mainly due to Ulbrich taking over as defensive coordinator. We expect Elliss to have another big year starting in the middle. As for Deablo and Andersen, their roles will depend on the scheme Ulbrich runs. Overall, this is a talented group with good depth. The Falcons did not re-sign Nate Landman, who split time as a starter and backup over the last few seasons. Falcons Cornerback Breakdown Jun 11, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell (24) catches the ball during Minicamp at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images RCB depth chart: A.J. Terrell Clark Phillips III Keith Taylor Dontae Manning (UDFA) LCB depth chart: Mike Hughes Mike Ford Jr. Natrone Brooks Lamar Jackson NCB depth chart: Dee Alford Billy Bowman (Rookie) Cobee Bryant (UDFA) There are no major surprises here. While Mike Hughes and Dee Alford may not be among the top players at their respective positions, both have starting experience and offer stability. Hughes in particular is coming off arguably the best season of his career. Atlanta could have traded for Jalen Ramsey or signed Jaire Alexander, but the team had limited cap space. We listed Bowman as the backup nickel to Alford, but don't be surprised if the rookie sees the field in 2025. Advertisement 2025 salary cap hits for Falcons CBs: Terrell: $9,000,000 Hughes: $3,586,666 Ford: $1,845,000 Alford: $1,490,000 Phillips: $1,223,383 Taylor: $1,100,000 Bowman: $1,086,538 Jackson: $1,030,000 Brooks: $960,000 Bryant: $853,333 Manning: $843,333 The Falcons gave Terrell a mega-extension last year, but he will only count for $9 million against the salary cap in 2025. That's not bad for a No. 1 cornerback. Hughes is second on the team with a cap hit of $3.5 million. Alford will earn $1.5 million and Phillips isn't far behind at $1.2 million. Overall, and the team will pay roughly $24 million to cornerbacks this season. Top free agent CBs available: James Bradberry Kendall Fuller Stephon Gilmore Rasul Douglas The Falcons are unlikely to make any major secondary additions now that the top names are off the market. If the team wants to add someone with starting experience, there are some decent options available. Bradberry is probably the top corner on the market, while Fuller and Gilmore have plenty of experience. There are plenty of solid depth players on the market as well. Advertisement Predictions/expectations for Falcons CBs in 2025: The Falcons didn't make any major improvements at cornerback, but they also didn't lose any notable players. Hughes and Alford are back, and you could argue the team has better depth behind those two than it had in 2024. I expect Clark Phillips III to serve as a versatile backup playing both inside and outside. As mentioned earlier, I also believe Bowman will find his way onto the field this season. Terrell sets the tone for this group as a whole. If the team's pass rush makes progress, it will only help the Falcons secondary in 2025. Falcons Safety Breakdown ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 22: Jessie Bates III #3 of the Atlanta Falcons returns an interception for a touchdown against the New York Giants during the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 22, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) While Jessie Bates returns for his third season leading Atlanta's secondary, there's been some debate among fans as to who will start at the other safety spot. The team did not re-sign Justin Simmons in free agency. Since Fuller has starting experience and is familiar with head coach Raheem Morris from their time in Los Angeles, we have the veteran penciled in as the starter for Week 1. However, Watts is also firmly in the mix. If the rookie shines during training camp, there's a chance he could leapfrog Fuller on the depth chart. Advertisement FS depth chart: Jessie Bates III Xavier Watts Kevin King SS depth chart: Jordan Fuller DeMarcco Hellams Josh Thompson While Jessie Bates returns for his third season leading Atlanta's secondary, there's been some debate among fans as to who will start at the other safety spot. The team did not re-sign Justin Simmons in free agency. Since Fuller has starting experience and is familiar with head coach Raheem Morris from their time in Los Angeles, we have the veteran penciled in as the starter for Week 1. However, Watts is also firmly in the mix. If the rookie shines during training camp, there's a chance he could leapfrog Fuller on the depth chart. 2025 salary cap hits for Falcons safeties: Bates: $22,250,000 King: $1,197,500 Fuller: $1,155,000 Watts: $1,125,192 Hellams: $1,056,575 Thompson: $960,000 Advertisement Overall, the Falcons are spending roughly $28 million at the safety position, with $22.2 million of that going to Pro Bowl safety Jessie Bates III. Atlanta gave Bates a four-year, $64 million contract during the 2023 offseason. Thus far, he's been worth every penny. Every other safety on the roster has a salary cap hit of less than $1.2 million this season. Top free agent safeties available: Justin Simmons Marcus Williams Quandre Diggs Julian Blackmon As you can see above, there are some still capable safeties available in free agency. Simmons is probably the top name on the market, and would be an interesting option if the Falcons are looking for an injury replacement. However, we still expect the veteran to land somewhere before the season begins. Marcus Williams and former Pro Bowl safety Quandre Diggs are other potential options for Atlanta in free agency. Predictions/expectations for 2025: Despite letting Simmons walk in free agency, the Falcons arguably got better at the safety position over the offseason. Watts has long-term starter potential and won't be forced into the lineup until he's ready. DeMarcco Hellams, who missed all of the 2024 season, is a good depth piece who still has plenty of upside. Bates is one of the truly elite safeties in the NFL. If cornerback-turned-safety Kevin King makes the roster, he can provide depth at both spots. Overall, the entire back end of Atlanta's defense should benefit from an improved pass rush this season. Advertisement This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons 2025 roster breakdown: Defensive position groups
New York Post
22-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
‘The biggest reasons' why Jeff Ulbrich didn't quit after Shedeur Sanders prank fiasco
Jeff Ulbrich's son, Jax, may have marred Shedeur Sanders' draft weekend, but the ex-Jets interim head coach never worried he wouldn't make it to Week 1 with the Falcons because of those actions. 'In all honesty, I never went there, but I felt nothing but support from the organization in every single way — from the people that worked the line in the cafeteria to (owner Arthur Blank) himself, all of them,' Ulbrich said Wednesday, per ESPN. 'I felt great support from him. It was one of the biggest reasons, in all honesty, that I came back here, because of the organization and what I think of this building.' 5 Jeff Ulbrich speaking with reporters Wednesday. @AtlantaFalcons/YouTube Ulbrich, the new Falcons defensive coordinator, became embroiled in a national controversy after Jax participated in a prank call to Sanders during last month's NFL draft. Jax secretly snatched Sanders' number from an open iPad at his parents' home and sat alongside a friend who called him, tricking Sanders into believing he had received the call he had been waiting his whole life for before the friend informed Sanders he would 'have to wait a little longer.' 5 Jax Ulbrich (l) during the prank call. @DingusMcDinkle_/X Jeff received a $100,000 fine for his son's actions, while the Falcons were handed a $250,000 fine. He called both his and his son's action 'inexcusable.' 5 Shedeur Sanders being pranked. @jayden77x/X 'First of all, I would like to publicly apologize to Shedeur and the Sanders family for what occurred,' Jeff said in April. 'Second of all, I want to publicly apologize to Mr. Blank, Terry Fontenot, Raheem Morris and the entire Falcons organization. My actions — my actions — of not protecting confidential data were inexcusable. My son's actions were absolutely inexcusable, and for that, we are both deeply sorry. 'The NFL has taken action and I fully respect the punishment. We take full responsibility, both my son and myself, and we will not be appealing the fine in any way. Going forward, I promise my son and I will work hard to demonstrate that we are better than this. Again, I am deeply sorry for our actions.' 5 Jeff Ulbrich during his time leading the Jets. Bill Kostroun/New York Post Jax also apologized on Instagram. 'On Friday night I made a tremendous mistake,' the college student wrote. 'Shedeur, what I did was completely inexcusable, embarrassing, and shameful. I'm so sorry I took away from your moment, it was selfish and childish. I could never imagine getting ready to celebrate one of the greatest moments of your life and I made a terrible mistake and messed with that moment. Thank you for accepting my call earlier today, I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me.' 5 Jeff Ulbrich during January 2025. AP Jeff joined the Falcons after an underwhelming run as the Jets' interim head coach in the wake of Robert Saleh's firing, going 3-9. He previously served as Atlanta's defensive coordinator in 2020 before joining Saleh with the Jets to serve in the same capacity.
