If you lived in Atlanta in 2017, you remember how fresh the Super Bowl LI run still felt and how much attention was on the 2017 Atlanta Falcons roster. Whether you’re reliving that season, visiting Atlanta and planning a game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, or just trying to understand that team’s core players, this guide walks through the key names, positions, and how the roster connects to the city’s football culture.
The 2017 Atlanta Falcons were built around:
For Atlanta fans, this roster marked the transition from the Georgia Dome era to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and it kept the city in the national spotlight.
The offense in 2017 still revolved around Matt Ryan, the face of the franchise in Atlanta for more than a decade.
Quarterbacks:
For Atlanta residents, the offense’s identity was basically: “As far as Matt Ryan goes, the Falcons go.”
The running back duo was a major strength of the 2017 roster.
Running Backs:
Fullback:
At Falcons home games on the Westside, locals saw plenty of Freeman and Coleman lining up in creative sets, which had become a signature of the offense.
Atlanta’s wide receiver group in 2017 was one of the most respected in the league.
Wide Receivers:
For fans in neighborhoods across the city—from Buckhead to College Park—Julio jersey sightings were a normal part of daily life.
Tight ends played a key role in blocking and as secondary receiving options.
Tight Ends:
Atlanta’s offensive line was built to protect Matt Ryan and open lanes for Freeman and Coleman.
| Position | Key 2017 Player(s) | Notes for ATL Fans |
|---|---|---|
| Left Tackle | Jake Matthews | Cornerstone tackle, long-term starter |
| Left Guard | Andy Levitre | Veteran interior lineman |
| Center | Alex Mack | Pro Bowl-level center, key leader of the line |
| Right Guard | Wes Schweitzer | Young starter in 2017 |
| Right Tackle | Ryan Schraeder | Reliable starter during this period |
Around Atlanta, this group was often credited for keeping the offense functional and giving Ryan enough time to find Julio and Sanu downfield.
The defense in 2017 was young, fast, and built around speed—something that became a point of pride for Atlanta fans.
The defensive line helped set an attacking tone.
Defensive Ends / Edge Rushers:
Defensive Tackles:
Fans at bars in Midtown and East Atlanta often pointed to Jarrett’s motor as a defining trait of the defense.
The linebacker group brought the speed and sideline-to-sideline play that defined the defense.
Linebackers:
For those watching at home in Atlanta apartments or at watch parties downtown, Deion Jones’s pick-sixes and big plays became must-see moments.
The secondary mixed physicality, range, and youth.
Cornerbacks:
Safeties:
Atlanta fans often described this secondary as fast and physical, fitting the identity the coaching staff wanted.
Even special teams had recognizable names in 2017.
Kicker:
Punter:
Returners / Special Teams:
For people attending games in Atlanta, Bryant’s long field goals were often momentum-changers, and his presence added a sense of stability.
The 2017 season was the Falcons’ first year in Mercedes-Benz Stadium at:
For locals in Atlanta, this roster symbolized:
If you visit today, the area around the stadium, the Home Depot Backyard, and nearby neighborhoods like Vine City and Castleberry Hill still carry memories of that transition season.
If you’re interested in the 2017 Falcons roster and want to engage with the team’s history while in Atlanta, you have a few practical options:
You can still feel the echoes of 2017 on game days at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. While the roster has changed, many long-standing fans still wear Ryan, Jones, Freeman, and Jarrett jerseys from that era.
Fans often combine Falcons interest with other nearby attractions:
Across Atlanta, especially in:
You’ll still find Falcons fans discussing seasons like 2016–2017, debating roster strengths, and comparing past players to current ones.
If you just want a fast checklist of the most important 2017 Atlanta Falcons roster members to recognize:
For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta who wants to understand local football conversations, knowing these names gives you solid footing when Falcons fans start talking about “that 2017 squad.”
