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Dontari Poe, rookies enhance Super Bowl runner-up Falcons on defense

With free agency and the draft in the rearview mirror, and organized team activities and minicamp in full swing, here's a starting lineup projection for the Atlanta Falcons:

OFFENSE (MULTIPLE FORMATIONS)

QB: Matt Ryan: The MVP is looking to make it seven consecutive seasons with 4,000-plus passing yards.

RB: Devonta Freeman: A two-time Pro Bowler with back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, Freeman is set for a big pay raise.

FB: Derrick Coleman: The Former Seattle Seahawks player hasn't allowed being deaf to hinder his ability to pick up an offense.

TE: Austin Hooper: The second-year player from Stanford is poised to assume a bigger role on offense after a 19-catch rookie year.

LT: Jake Matthews: The 2014 sixth overall pick just had his fifth-year option picked up for more than $12 million in 2018.

LG: Andy Levitre: The veteran played better last season but might not have a lot of years left, and his legs aren't the same at 30.

C: Alex Mack: The four-time Pro Bowler brought instant stability to the line as the team's top free-agent acquisition in 2016.

RG: Wes Schweitzer: He was inactive for every game as a rookie but has a legit shot to start since Chris Chester retired.

RT: Ryan Schraeder: Steady, tough, undrafted player earned every penny of a five-year, $31.5 million extension.

WR: Julio Jones: Arguably the most dangerous threat in the game is aiming for his fourth straight season of over 1,400 receiving yards.

WR: Mohamed Sanu: His ability to take pressure off Jones -- and his professionalism -- has helped changed the vibe in the locker room.

DEFENSE (PRIMARY FORMATION: 4-3)

DE: Vic Beasley Jr.: Last year's NFL sacks leader hopes to build on the momentum while improving his play against the run.

DT: Dontari Poe: The two-time Pro Bowler signed a one-year contract after leaving the Chiefs, but he needs to keep at the right weight.

NT: Grady Jarrett: Coming off a three-sack performance in the Super Bowl, Jarrett could be an emerging star.

DE: Adrian Clayborn: Rookie first-rounder Takkarist McKinley is likely to be here in nickel coverage, but Clayborn has great value, when healthy.

LB: De'Vondre Campbell: The Falcons drafted him to cover tight ends, and now Campbell has to deal with Bucs rookie O.J. Howard. Expected to make switch to strong-side linebacker.

MLB: Deion Jones: Last year's second-rounder, who finished third in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting and had a rookie-best 106 tackles.

LB: Duke Riley: Rookie third-round pick plays fast and has instant chemistry with his former LSU teammate, Jones.

CB: Robert Alford: He has the speed and athleticism to be a force but needs to continue to work on hand placement to avoid flags.

FS: Ricardo Allen: Has emerged as a true leader on the team and even organizes film study sessions for his teammates at his home.

SS: Keanu Neal: One of the rookie sensations last year, Neal shined with crushing hits and aims to refine his coverage skills.

CB: Desmond Trufant: One-time Pro Bowler just signed a five-year, $69 million extension and is rebounding from pectoral surgery.

(SPECIAL TEAMS)

K: Matt Bryant: The veteran, named to the Pro Bowl last season, believes he still has good years left despite turning 42 on May 29. Has hit 88.3 percent of field goals with Falcons.

P: Matt Bosher: 2011 sixth-round draft pick has averaged a franchise-best 45.9 yards per punt with a 40.5 net average.

PR: Andre Roberts: Was signed in the offseason to replace Eric Weems, who signed as a free agent with Tennessee. Roberts had two punt-return scores with Detroit last season.

KR: Andre Roberts: Finished eighth in the NFL with an average of 22.6 yards per kickoff return last season.

*Note: Rookie defensive end Takkarist McKinley, the team's first-round draft pick, would probably start in the nickel package, provided he's recovered from March shoulder surgery. Defensive back Brian Poole, last year's primary nickelback, and rookie fifth-round draft pick Damontae Kazee, slated to play nickel and safety, could be in the lineup if the Falcons start in their nickel package.