Kevin Stefanski said on Apr. 17 that evaluating players is a constant process, as the Atlanta Falcons continue their offseason activities. He explained that decisions about naming starters are not made at this stage of the year and emphasized the importance of ongoing assessment.
This approach matters because it shapes how players prepare for their roles and how coaches build the team. The focus remains on development rather than finalizing positions early in the offseason.
“I think you’re constantly evaluating your players,” Stefanski said. “I had a coach tell me that they’re evaluating everything we do, how we walk to the practice field, who we interact with, how we interact. You’re constantly under evaluation. That’s no secret for our players.” He also pointed out that competition is an essential part of professional football: “Everybody understands that it’s a competitive sport. It’s a competitive world that we live in. So, the idea of fighting for jobs, fighting for roles — welcome to professional football. That’s nothing new for our players.” According to Stefanski, most roster decisions will take shape during training camp: “The depth chart type of questions, those really don’t factor for me until you get into training camp… We’ll roll guys through different situations.”
Currently, Stefanski said the priority is learning the playbook and building relationships within the team environment: “These are the portions of the calendar where you want your guys to come in and work hard and be around their teammates… They should enjoy being around each other and push each other and pull each other and share a meal together in the meal room.” Reflecting on his experience as an offensive coordinator calling plays, he added: “I like game planning… When I was (calling plays) I was very reliant on a lot of people on our staff. It wasn’t a one-man show.” His advice to new play callers was simple: “Trust your players more than your plays,” Stefanski noted.
The Atlanta Falcons compete in the National Football League’s NFC South division according to their official website. The team began as an expansion franchise in 1965 according to their official website and is based in Atlanta, Georgia according to their official website. Freddie the Falcon serves as its mascot according to their official website.
Historically, Atlanta has advanced twice to Super Bowl appearances—in 1998 and again in 2016—as reported by its official site.
As preparations continue through voluntary workouts leading up to training camp later this year, player evaluations remain central for both coaching staff and athletes.