There will be plenty of competition for the Atlanta Falcons when it comes to training camp this season. Such is a positive, considering the team's lack of depth last year.
Here's my opinion on how the depth chart could unfold. Again, these are just projections. (*Projections do not include undrafted rookies.)
Quarterback
Projected starter: Matt Ryan
Backup: Dominique Davis
Comment: As long as Ryan doesn't get hurt playing behind a revamped offensive line, the Falcons should be just fine. Wouldn't be a surprise if they add a veteran unless second-year player Sean Renfree or undrafted rookie Jeff Mathews make strong impressions.
Running back
Projected starter: Steven Jackson
Backup: Devonta Freeman
Others: Jacquizz Rodgers, Antone Smith, Josh Vaughan.
Comment: Jackson wasn't fully healthy last season but should be better this time around despite turning 31 in July. Freeman, the rookie from Florida State, will get his opportunities. Just watch.
Fullback
Projected starter: Patrick DiMarco
Backup: Bear Pascoe
Comment: DiMarco quietly did his job well last season and should get a chance clear some holes. Pascoe is a tight end first but has fullback ability.
Wide receiver
Projected starter: Julio Jones
Backups: Harry Douglas, Devin Hester
Comment: The entire season could depend on how Jones holds up coming off foot surgery. If he's back to his normal self, the Falcons could be dynamic offensively.
Wide receiver
Projected starter: Roddy White
Backup: Drew Davis
Other: Darius Johnson
Comment: Like Jones, White's health will be crucial to the team. He was never 100 percent last season, but he showed his old form near the end of 2013.
Tight end
Projected starter: Levine Toilolo
Backup: Bear Pascoe
Comment: Although the Falcons are talking about using more of a blocking tight end such as Pascoe, Toilolo will get his opportunities, particularly in the red zone.
Left tackle
Projected starter: Sam Baker
Backup: Ryan Schraeder
Comment: If Baker, coming off knee surgery, can regain his form from 2012, the Falcons might be pretty solid across the board up front.
Left Guard
Projected starter: Justin Blalock
Backup: Harland Gunn
Comment: Blalock was solid last season, although he admitted he should have spoken up more when things weren't going as anticipated.
Center
Projected starter: Joe Hawley
Backup: Peter Konz
Comment: Hawley showed some toughness last season, and his play should only improve with a better player to his right. Konz won't be counted upon for much.
Right Guard
Projected starter: Jon Asamoah
Backup: Gabe Carimi
Comment: The addition of Asamoah during free agency automatically brought more toughness and strength to a position that struggled miserably last season. Carimi might be just a camp body.
Right tackle
Projected starter: Jake Matthews
Backup: Lamar Holmes
Comment: The rookie Matthews is NFL-ready and his reputation for being technically sound should help him hold his own immediately. If Baker doesn't hold up, Matthews will be switched to the left side, which is why Holmes should take reps at right just in case.
DEFENSE
Left defensive end
Projected starter: Tyson Jackson
Backup: Ra'Shede Hageman
Others: Peria Jerry, Cliff Matthews
Comment: Jackson will be tough against the run and bring a more intimidating presence up front. Hageman is sure to be groomed to play alongside Jackson later.
Nose tackle
Projected starter: Paul Soliai
Backup: Corey Peters
Other: Hageman
Comment: Don't discount what type of impact Soliai could have just because his position is not so glamorous. The attention he eats up in front in the 3-4 base look will be critical to the defense's success.
Right defensive end
Projected starter: Jonathan Babineaux
Backup: Malliciah Goodman
Comment: Babineaux is a team leader and he was the most consistent performer along the defensive line last season. He should be fresher to make big plays if the rookie Hageman emerges.
Left outside linebacker
Projected starter: Kroy Biermann
Backup: Stansly Maponga
Comment: Biermann's status coming off an Achilles tear will be worth monitoring. Maponga will be one of the young pass-rushers the Falcons rely on for production.
Inside linebacker
Projected starter: Sean Weatherspoon
Backup: Joplo Bartu
Other: Marquis Spruill
Comment: Weatherspoon has been slowed significantly by injuries as of late, including a knee sprain that has limited his workload this offseason. He's still the heart and soul of the team.
Inside linebacker
Projected starter: Paul Worrilow
Backup: Yawin Smallwood
Other: Akeem Dent
Comment: We all know Worrilow is a tackling machine and a great success story after joining the team undrafted. Look out for the rookie Smallwood as a hidden gem.
Right outside linebacker
Projected starter: Jonathan Massaquoi
Backup: Osi Umenyiora
Others: Prince Shembo, Tyler Starr
Comment: Massaquoi might be the most important pass-rusher this season as the Falcons turn to a more collective effort. Using Umenyiora as a designated pass-rusher could pay dividends. Shembo can rush, too.
Strong safety
Projected starter: William Moore
Backup: Dezmen Southward
Comment: Moore's toughness and tenacity should be a tone-setter for a team in need of an attitude adjustment. He has to avoid the illegal hits, though.
Free safety
Projected starter: Dwight Lowery
Backup: Dezmen Southward, Kemal Ishmael
Comment: The newcomer Lowery, with 41 career starts, is the unknown. As long as he can tackle, he should be fine.
Left cornerback
Projected starter: Robert Alford
Backup: Josh Wilson
Other: Ricardo Allen
Comment: Alford still has some learning to do but his speed and athleticism make him a rising star. Wilson could end up as the primary nickelback.
Right cornerback
Projected starter: Desmond Trufant
Backup: Robert McClain
Other: Javier Arenas
Comment: Trufant will be a perennial Pro Bowler and one of the top shutdown corners in the league. He proved his value as a rookie and will only get better.
Kicker: Matt Bryant; Punter: Matt Bosher; Kick returner: Devin Hester, Jacquizz Rodgers; Punt returner: Devin Hester; Long-snapper: Josh Harris.
*Note: Safety Zeke Motta is coming off surgery to fix a cervical fracture, so his status for the 2014 season remains unclear.