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.