The Atlanta Falcons made as many upgrades as they could signing lesser known free agents hoping to get a bigger bang for their buck. The question is whether or not it will truly pay off. With questions still remaining about the health of the offensive line and the depth of the secondary, it will be free agents and rookies that potentially hear their names called more times than not this upcoming season.
The Falcons were aggressive in the draft while also getting a few free agents that could prove to be difference makers, especially on offense. According to Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com, both Jacob Tamme and Leonard Hankerson have received rave reviews for their performances during team OTAs and minicamp. Tamme is expected to be the starting tight end over last year's starter Levine Toilolo. While Toilolo has all of the tools to be a successful tight end in the NFL, he has yet to put everything together and instead Tamme has come in ready to compete. The same can be said for Hankerson who is not expected to be a starter, but adds quality depth to a wide receiver rotation that has relied heavily on their No.4 and No.5 guys thanks to injuries.
Rookies will be expected to become immediate starters in the upcoming season. The biggest rookie could be Tevine Coleman who is quickly making a name for himself in the Falcons organization. According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Coleman and Devonta Freeman have been splitting reps in practice while head coach Dan Quinn stresses a competition between the two players. Freeman has the lead at the moment, but Coleman should not be ruled out as a potential starter for the team.
Another offensive rookie likely to start immediately for the team will be Justin Hardy who was one of the lesser known names in the NFL Draft that is suddenly making a quick impact for his respective team. Hardy will be filling the role that was left open by Harry Douglas, running alongside Julio Jones and Roddy White. Hankerson along with Eric Weems and Devin Hester will work into the rotation. Quarterback Matt Ryan told the media at the wrapping of mini camp that Hardy left a positive impression on everyone.
"Justin Hardy's done a great job," Ryan said, via ESPN.com. "He's really picked up things. And you can see him kind of every practice he goes out there, he gets a little more comfortable and he becomes a little more confident. That's going to bode well for us. His production for us this season is going to be important."
