Projecting the final 53 Atlanta Falcons on the final day

With the Atlanta Falcons releasing seven players on Friday, they still have 13 to go before the 4 p.m. NFL-imposed deadline to get down to 53.

Now is as good of a time as any to project what the final 53-man roster will look like:

Quarterback: Matt Ryan, Chris Redman, D.J. Shockley--Shockley hasn't done himself any favors in this preseason. His final numbers were anything but inspiring: 10/26 for 109 yards, 0 touchdowns, three interceptions, two sacks, two fumbles, and a QB rating of 3.5%.

John Parker Wilson performed well in his extended duty on Thursday night, finishing the season 19/27 for 135 yards, zero touchdowns, zero interceptions, one sack, zero fumbles, and an 81.6% rating.

Wilson appears to have the potential to be a future backup. Shockley has the experience in the system. Ultimately the team hopes neither ever plays a snap. Shockley wins out in a tough decision and Wilson goes to the practice team. (3)

Running Back/Fullback: Michael Turner, Jerious Norwood, Jason Snelling/Ovie Mughelli--Second-year player Thomas Brown finds himself on the outside. Snelling has run well in his chances this season, while Brown has been sidelined some with an injury. He did play well on Thursday, but Snelling brings more to the table. The third-year Virginia product led the team in special teams tackles last season and is a capable fill in at fullback. (4)

Wide Receiver: Roddy White, Michael Jenkins, Brian Finneran, Marty Booker, Eric Weems--Robert Ferguson appeared to be winning the veteran preseason receiver battle, but Booker came on strong in the games. He finished the preseason with 11 catches for 104 yards. He's not as athletic as Ferguson and doesn't contribute the same way on special teams, but the team likes his veteran presence at the wideout. Weems has had a solid preseason, showing sure hands and has done well in the punt-returning role. He has earned the fifth-receiver spot. (5)

Tight Ends: Tony Gonzalez, Justin Peelle, Keith Zinger: With the release of veteran Ben Hartsock earlier this week, the final tight end position opened up for a player like Zinger. In his second season with the team, Zinger has performed well in practice when given a chance, especially this week after the release of Hartsock. The second-year LSU product is known for his blocking, but showed good hands, catching two balls on Thursday night for 19 yards. (3)

Offensive Linemen: (LT) Sam Baker, Will Svitek, (LG) Justin Blalock, Quinn Ojinnaka, (C) Todd McClure, Brett Romberg, (RG) Harvey Dahl, Jose Valdez, (RT) Tyson Clabo, Garrett Reynolds--No surprises here, especially after the release of Ben Wilkerson, Ryan Stanchek, and Adam Speer on Friday. (10)

Defensive End: John Abraham, Jamaal Anderson, Chauncey Davis, Kroy Biermann, Lawrence Sidbury--Five players might seem like a lot at defensive end, but Head Coach Mike Smith cites the defensive line rotation often. Anderson's ability to rotate inside helps his cause as well. (5)

Defensive Tackle: Jonathan Babineuax, Peria Jerry, Trey Lewis, Thomas Johnson--It's a tough decision between Johnson and rookie Vance Walker, but since Walker can join the practice team, that becomes the deciding factor. First-round pick Jerry has improved week over week and looks on track to be the Opening Day starter after his one sack, four tackle night on Thursday. (4)

Linebacker: Stephen Nicholas, Curtis Lofton, Mike Peterson, Coy Wire, Tony Gilbert, Jamie Winborn, Robert James--Winborn's experience and ability to lead a special teams unit helps him win the job over the two young guys, Spencer Adkins and Robert James. Both players are eligible for the practice squad and may find themselves there, but James stays on the roster because he showed he's solid on special teams in the preseason. He's more capable in that role than a defensive tackle, so he earns the 53rd spot on the roster.(7)

Cornerback: Chris Houston, Tye Hill, Brent Grimes, Chevis Jackson, Chris Owens--No one in this unit should have much confidence in their job right now. It's still an open competition, especially with the acquisition of Hill on Tuesday, and will continue to be one. The best two will start any given week and don't rule out another signing following other team's cuts. Grimes could find himself on the outside should that happen. Rookie William Middleton will probably be placed on the practice squad. (5)

Safety: Erik Coleman, Thomas DeCoud, William Moore, Antoine Harris--Harris edges out Jamaal Fudge because Fudge is more of a strong safety type and Harris has more versatility. Harris was also a strong special teams player last season. However, this unit could be a little shaky. Harris is the first to go if there's a better free safety option on the wire. (4)

Specialists: (Kicker) Jason Elam, (Punter) Michael Koenen, (Long Snapper) Mike Schneck (3)

Practice Team: (QB) John Parker Wilson, (WR) Aaron Kelly, (OL) Michael Butterworth, (DT) Vance Walker, (LB) Spencer Adkins, (CB) William Middleton,