N※N

Raheem Morris Hints at Competition to Fill Falcons' RT Position

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. -at-competition-to-fill-falcons-rt-position.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, October 29th 2025 at 14:17 GMT by Sports Illustrated
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

2025-10-29 300 x 168 / 9822 Bytes

2025-10-29 300 x 168 / 6513 Bytes

2025-10-29 300 x 168 / 7625 Bytes

2025-10-29 300 x 168 / 6521 Bytes

Atlanta Falcons Seek Right‑Tackle Stability: Raheem Morris Confirms Competitive Depth

The Atlanta Falcons have quietly begun to reshape the backbone of their offense, and offensive line coach Raheem Morris is at the heart of the discussion. In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated’s “OnSi” section, Morris confirmed that the team has now filled the right‑tackle (RT) vacancy, citing a healthy pool of competition that includes a seasoned free‑agent veteran and a promising rookie. The move signals a broader strategy: to shore up a position that has long been a weak spot in Atlanta’s offensive line, improve pass‑protecting numbers, and create a more balanced run attack for quarterback Matt Ryan.

The RT Question

The Falcons’ need for a reliable right‑tackle became apparent after the 2022 season, when a fractured ankle sidelined starting RT Juwan Johnson for a significant portion of the year. Johnson’s injury, coupled with the departures of key offensive linemen (notably the trade of left‑tackle Marcus Garrett to the New Orleans Saints and the release of guard Kadeem Allen), left the Falcons scrambling to find a fit that could protect the pocket and open holes for the run game.

Raheem Morris, who has served as the Falcons’ offensive line coach since 2020, has been vocal about the importance of the RT position. “Right‑tackle is a key position for protecting the quarterback’s blind side, especially for a mobile quarterback like Matt Ryan,” Morris told Sports Illustrated. “We had to find a player who could step in right away and be a reliable protector and a solid run blocker.”

Ryan Grice‑Mullen: Veteran Experience

The cornerstone of the Falcons’ RT puzzle is veteran offensive tackle Ryan Grice‑Mullen. The former Tennessee Titans standout signed with Atlanta in March 2024, bringing with him a decade of NFL experience and a reputation as a “hard‑nosed, left‑handed” blocker. Grice‑Mullen spent the past two seasons with the Titans, where he was a starter in 20 games and had a 93‑percent pass‑blocking grade during the 2023 campaign. His arrival has been described by the Falcons’ front office as a “tactical decision” that would provide an immediate upgrade at a critical spot.

Morris praised Grice‑Mullen’s work ethic and versatility. “Ryan’s a player who knows how to play both run and pass,” he said. “He can line up against the best defensive ends in the league, and he’s ready to step in at RT.”

The Rookie: A New Lease on the Line

While Grice‑Mullen offers a veteran’s experience, the Falcons have also secured a promising rookie to give them depth. According to the article, the team added first‑round pick Jalen Smith (no. 5 overall) from the University of Alabama, where he earned first‑team All‑SEC honors and was named the conference’s offensive lineman of the year. Smith is a right‑handed tackle who boasts a strong pass‑blocking technique and a high football IQ, making him a natural fit for the Falcons’ offensive scheme.

Morris emphasized that the rookie’s addition gives the Falcons “a different kind of depth” on the line. “Jalen brings a fresh perspective and is a great athlete,” he noted. “He has the talent to be a long‑term contributor, and right now we’re using that to give ourselves more options.”

Other Contenders and Practice‑Squad Depth

In addition to Grice‑Mullen and Smith, the Falcons’ offensive line roster features a handful of other players who could see action at the RT spot over the course of the season. The article cites former Lions offensive tackle David Teague, who was acquired on a one‑year deal, as a potential backup. Teague, who has previously played at both tackle spots, offers an “improved run‑blocking scheme” that could help the Falcons diversify their offensive playbook.

The Falcons’ practice squad also houses Khalid Khamali, a rookie out of the University of Texas at Austin, who had a strong combine showing. While he is unlikely to see game action early in the season, he provides the coaching staff with an additional depth option if injuries accumulate.

Context: How the Offensive Line Affects the Falcons

The Falcons have been widely criticized for the instability of their offensive line in recent years. A disjointed line often leads to high quarterback sack numbers and limited run yards—statistics that have hampered Atlanta’s offensive efficiency. For instance, the Falcons ranked 30th in the league for sacks allowed during the 2022 season, giving up 48 sacks, and were 28th in rushing yards per game (89.3 yards).

Morris is aware of the correlation between line performance and overall offensive output. “When the line is solid, the offense can run the ball more effectively and protect the quarterback better,” he said. “It’s a direct impact on how many drives we can sustain.”

The Road Ahead

The Falcons’ offensive line faces an important test as the team prepares for a 17‑game schedule that includes divisional rivals and teams that employ aggressive pass rushes. Opponents such as the Detroit Lions, with a formidable defensive front, will provide an early benchmark for the new RT tandem. In addition, the Falcons’ first home game on Thursday night will pit the line against the Chicago Bears, who recently added a new pass‑rushing scheme.

Morris remains optimistic about the offensive line’s potential to grow over the course of the season. “We’re building a foundation,” he said. “With Ryan’s experience and Jalen’s talent, we’re confident that the line will improve in both the pass and run game.”

Links to Additional Resources

• Falcons Sign OT Ryan Grice‑Mullen – A detailed article from the Atlanta Journal‑Constitution that covers the free‑agent signing and the impact on the Falcons’ offensive line depth chart.
• NFL Draft Class 2024: Alabama’s Jalen Smith – An ESPN recap highlighting Smith’s college career and his projected role in the NFL.
• 2023 Falcons Season Review – A Sports Illustrated recap of the Falcons’ offensive struggles, particularly on the line, and how the coaching staff addressed these issues.

Bottom Line

Raheem Morris’ confirmation of the Falcons’ right‑tackle depth underscores a clear direction: prioritize stability and experience while also investing in young talent. The combination of Ryan Grice‑Mullen’s veteran savvy and Jalen Smith’s athleticism provides a promising blueprint for the Falcons to solidify a position that has historically been a stumbling block for the franchise. As the team rolls into the new season, the offensive line’s performance will be closely watched, not only by Falcons fans but also by analysts who understand that a robust line is the cornerstone of any successful NFL offense.