The Atlanta Falcons begin a new era behind head coach Dan Quinn as the team prepares to face the Tennessee Titans on Friday night in the first preseason game of the season. With a new head coach comes a slew of new players looking to make their mark on the Falcons roster. Atlanta was very active in the draft and free agency, acquiring several rookies ready to start along with plenty of depth on the front lines. The coaches will get a good first look at all of those players as starting spots are up for grabs.
Rookies will be making a huge impact for the Falcons as at least three of the players in the draft class could begin the season as starters. According to Vaughn McClure of ESPN, Vic Beasley has done nothing but impress the coaches since his arrival and he is expected to start in the first preseason game along with the rest of the coaching staff. That leaves players like Adrian Clayborn, Kroy Biermann and Tyson Jackson competing for starting jobs.
There are also plenty of questions at the cornerback and safety positions. According to Quinn via ESPN.com, Desmond Trufant suffered a shoulder strain and will be out for the first preseason game. That leaves rookie Jalen Collins to start and prove himself. Collins missed a portion of offseason workouts with an injury, but is working his way back into the defense. There is a lot of players to compete with as Robert Alfrod continues to impress in camp while Ricardo Allen sees some time with the first-team defense.
The offense also has some fun battles taking place. Both Tevin Coleman and Devonta Freeman are expected to be out for the first preseason game as they deal with hamstring injuries. According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, they are the starting running back tandem for the Falcons, but Terron Ward could get the start on Friday. Ward was an undrafted free agent who is quickly impressing in training camp and earning comparisons to Michael Turner. Ward and Antone Smith will see the most playing time.
Rookie Justin Hardy also has star potential. With Julio Jones and Roddy White in as the top two receivers, there is a battle for the third slot. Hardy, Leonard Hankerson and Eric Weems are looking to earn it. Hardy has quickly earned the respect of quarterback Matt Ryan while Hankerson comes with veteran knowledge of the game. White denied the idea that any of the younger receivers were competing for his spot in the lineup.
