The Atlanta Falcons kicked off their voluntary offseason program this week, and while the pads aren’t on yet, the early returns from Flowery Branch are encouraging. The biggest story coming out of the opening days of Organized Team Activities is the health of the rookie class—specifically, the continued recovery of outside linebacker Bralen Trice and the promising update on defensive back Billy Bowman Jr.
For a team coming off a 9-8 finish that just missed the playoffs, the 2025 draft class was always going to be critical to bridging the gap from competitive to contender. Now, with the first on-field work of the spring underway, the Falcons are getting a clearer picture of which rookies are ready to contribute immediately—and which ones need a little more time.
Trice’s Road Back
Bralen Trice, the Falcons’ third-round pick out of Washington, is still working his way back from the knee injury that cut his rookie season short. Selected with the 74th overall pick in 2025, Trice flashed as a rotational edge rusher before going down.
Head coach Raheem Morris confirmed this week that Trice is “progressing well” in his rehab but is not yet participating in full team drills. The team is taking a cautious approach with the 6-foot-4, 274-pound defender, who underwent surgery last November. The Falcons’ medical staff has him on a modified program, focusing on strength and conditioning work while he builds back his explosion.
“He’s in the building every day, doing the work,” Morris said. “We’re not going to rush him. When he’s ready, he’ll be out there.”
That patience is understandable. The Falcons’ edge rush group remains a work in progress. Ebiketie led the team with 6.5 sacks last season, but the unit as a whole ranked 22nd in the NFL with 38 sacks. Atlanta invested heavily in the defensive line this offseason, signing veteran defensive tackle Grady Jarrett to a restructured deal and adding depth through the draft. Trice’s return—whenever it comes—could provide a much-needed boost to a pass rush that struggled to close games down the stretch.
Bowman Jr. Update: Full Go
The more immediate positive news came from the secondary. Billy Bowman Jr., the Falcons’ fifth-round pick in 2025 out of Oklahoma, has been cleared for full participation in OTAs after dealing with a lingering hamstring issue that limited him during training camp last year. Bowman appeared in just six games as a rookie, primarily on special teams, but the team has high hopes for his versatility as a nickel corner and deep safety.
“Billy looks great,” defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake said. “He’s moving well, he’s picked up the scheme, and he’s competing for a role. We’re excited to see what he can do with a full offseason.”
Bowman’s health is a welcome development for a secondary that saw significant turnover this offseason. The Falcons parted ways with veteran cornerback Jeff Okudah and safety Richie Grant, creating opportunities for younger players to step into larger roles. Bowman, along with second-year corner Clark Phillips III and fourth-round pick Trey Amos (2025), will be competing for snaps in the nickel and dime packages.
If Bowman can stay on the field, his ability to play both in the slot and as a deep safety gives Lake flexibility. The Falcons allowed a 67.3% completion rate to opposing quarterbacks last season, 18th in the league, and they need more disruptive play from the back end. A healthy, confident Bowman could help change that.
Penix Jr. Building Chemistry
While the defensive rookies are working through health and role questions, the offense is operating with a clear leader under center. Second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr., the Falcons’ first-round pick in 2025, is entering his first full season as the undisputed starter. The team moved on from Kirk Cousins this offseason, clearing the way for Penix to take command of the huddle.
Through the first week of OTAs, Penix has been sharp. Reports from the facility indicate he’s developing strong chemistry with wide receivers Drake London and Darnell Mooney, as well as tight end Kyle Pitts. The Falcons’ passing attack ranked 15th in yards per game last season (227.4), but much of that production came in spurts. With a full offseason as the starter—something he didn’t have as a rookie—Penix is expected to take a significant leap.
“He’s in control,” offensive coordinator Zac Robinson said. “You can see the confidence. He knows where to go with the ball, he’s making checks at the line, and the guys are responding to him.”
The Falcons also added running back Bijan Robinson’s usage in the passing game as a point of emphasis this spring. Robinson caught 58 passes for 487 yards and four touchdowns last season, and the coaching staff wants to get him even more involved in the screen and check-down game. Penix and Robinson have been working on timing routes during individual drills, a sign that the offense is looking to create mismatches in space.
Why It Matters
The Falcons are in a delicate moment. They have a young quarterback on a rookie contract, a talented skill-position core, and a defense that is still being rebuilt. The 2025 draft class was supposed to be the foundation for the next wave of success, and early returns—even in voluntary, non-contact workouts—matter for morale and trajectory.
Trice’s recovery is the biggest variable. If he can return to form by training camp, the Falcons suddenly have a three-man edge rotation of Ebiketie, Trice, and veteran Lorenzo Carter that could be the best they’ve had since the Vic Beasley/Deion Jones era. If he’s slow to come back, the team may need to explore a trade or free-agent addition before the season.
Bowman’s health, meanwhile, gives the secondary a much-needed injection of youth and athleticism. The Falcons’ defense allowed 24.1 points per game last season, 24th in the league. Improvement has to come from within, and Bowman is one of the few young defensive backs on the roster with the versatility to play multiple roles.
What’s Next
The Falcons will continue their voluntary OTAs through mid-May before mandatory minicamp in June. The team is expected to ramp up the intensity in the coming weeks, with more competitive drills and full-team work. For Trice, the target remains training camp. For Bowman, the goal is to carve out a role in the nickel package.
For Penix, the objective is simple: keep building.
“We’ve got a lot of work to do,” Penix said. “But I like where we’re at. Guys are buying in. We’re hungry.”
The Falcons haven’t made the playoffs since 2017. That drought weighs on everyone in the building. But if the rookies can stay healthy and the quarterback takes the next step, Atlanta might finally have the pieces to end it.
