The Atlanta Falcons could see a big year from this underrated acquisition from the offseason.
The Atlanta Falcons are moving through training camp as the coaching staff evaluates different position battles on the roster and see who is going to step up in a big way for this team in 2026.
Training camp every year is a time for not only existing stars to re-establish their status and get ready for the new season, but also every year we see new faces stepping up to the plate across the roster and getting a role themselves. There's a number of names who that can be said for so far, but one is a defensive lineman who Atlanta acquired in a trade at the draft to not much fanfare.
The Falcons brought in former second round pick Maason Smith from the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for Ruke Orhorhoro in a swap which both teams felt was a better fit for them. Despite the deal going a bit under the radar, it seems like Smith had a huge weekend and is starting to find his footing in Atlanta.
According to a camp report from Tori McElhaney of Falcons.com, Smith had a big day at Saturday's practice and is beginning to look the part of a key piece of this defensive line.
Maason Smith Beginning to Separate at Falcons Camp
"Maason Smith dominated a few reps up front," McElhaney wrote. "He swam past linemen on a rep for a sack before disrupting the pocket and causing an incompletion two plays later. He looked the part of disruptive defender Saturday."
Should Smith continue to show out and display the talent that made him a second round pick back in 2024, this could mean huge things for a defense that needs someone to step up along the interior. He is going to have a long way to go throughout the rest of camp if he's going to prove that he really does belong in the starting lineup, but Atlanta traded for Smith because they believed he is capable of that.
This is a new day for the franchise and everyone's spot is up for grabs. After a rough go of it for Smith in Jacksonville, perhaps the fresh start has re-invigorated his love and passion for the game. When that happens, the sky is the limit for a player as talented as he is.
Over the coming weeks and with a preseason showdown on Friday, keep an eye on Smith as a guy who is close to establishing a significant role on this defense.
