An article previewing the shape of the Atlanta Falcons wide receivers would have looked a lot different a couple of months back. The question marks surrounding the Falcons were huge. Would Julio Jones be practicing with the team? Who will fill the Taylor Gabriel void? Can Calvin Ridley be the number three immediately? However, as we now head towards the third preseason game those questions have somewhat fallen away and the picture is starting to clear a little.
The Locks
There is not much to say here. Jones came into camp after it looked for a second like he may miss time. Ridley has looked really good in everything we have seen so far. We have already seen the Falcons trying to get the ball into his hands in different ways. Ryan threw him a screen pass in the first preseason game, suggesting he may be used creatively this season. It looks likely he will fill that role Gabriel had in 2017. He does not exactly need to be great to replace Gabriel, who was effective without being amazing, putting up 378 yards and a touchdown last season.
The other lock to make the roster is Mohamed Sanu, who quietly is a top-30 wide receiver in the NFL. Sanu is a talented pass catcher, with 1,356 yards and nine touchdowns in his two years with the Falcons. Sanu should see plenty of time out of the slot with Ridley going outside. However, I also expect Sanu to see the majority of snaps as the second receiver in two wideout sets.
The Question Marks
Someone I felt fairly sure would be on the roster is Justin Hardy. In 2017, Hardy had just 20 receptions, for 211 yards, but managed to score three touchdowns. Hardy also saw some time last year as a kick returner, with three kickoff returns. However, so far in the preseason we have not seen Hardy fill that role much. We have seen plenty of him on offense, with 17 snaps in the second preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs. His experience in the offense should be enough to get him on the roster to start 2018. However, he saw a lot of work in the last preseason game, alongside other players fighting for a roster spot.
-
Ep 39: Quarterback Contracts, Hill vs Adams, Top 5 QB Contracts
by Full Press Coverage on August 1, 2022 at 12:36 am
On the rest of Falcons depth chart currently on their site, they list another eight wide receivers. Among them are Marvin Hall and a Reggie Davis. Both are sophomores who did enough in camp last year to stick around. Both Hall and Davis have enough speed where they could step and fill the offensive role that Gabriel did, relying on their speed to make things happen. Interestingly, Hall saw just 12 snaps in the second preseason game. Less than many of the others on the roster. The fact he was not on the field as much as others suggests to me he could be creeping ahead of Hardy. Hall spending time with the trainers Wednesday will not have helped him. However, even without playing in the third preseason game he should still have a shot to make the roster.
Fighting for the Last Spot
Davis on the other hand, saw the joint most snaps as a receiver alongside Ridley. With Ridley is about getting him work but with Davis, it looks like he is still auditioning for a job. It appears he is fighting with Russell Gage and Devin Gray, who both also saw over 15 snaps against the Chiefs. Gray appears to have worked his way into consideration after being an undrafted free agent out of Cincinnati. He remains the outside bet but just the fact he is seeing this much time is a positive for him. Russell Gage was drafted in the sixth round in 2018 and could be fighting right until the fourth preseason game for a roster or practice squad spot.
Out in the Cold
The snap count against the Chiefs would suggest some players are on the verge of missing out. Christian Blake (9 snaps), Dontez Byrd (8), Lamar Jordan (5) and Cody Pearson (3) all appear to face an uphill battle to make the roster. There is still two preseason games for these guys to make an impact. However, right now they are looking at being cut and missing the practice squad.
The Final Word
The top three on the depth chart are set with Jones, Sanu and Ridley. Behind them Hall could seal his place with a good outing this week against Jacksonville. Hardy appears to have slipped to fifth and does not even look to have returning to help him make the roster. Behind him, Gage, Davis and Gray are in a battle to knock him off the roster, or grab an elusive sixth spot. If not then two of them could find their way onto the 11-man practice squad come the start of the season.
-
Ep 117: Former Chiefs VP of Player Personnel Bill Kuharich Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on August 3, 2022 at 10:26 pm
Former Chiefs VP of Player Personnel Bill Kuharich joins Clark and Ira to […]
-
Ep 116: Former Buccaneers Head Coach Bruce Arians Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 29, 2022 at 3:03 am
Former Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians joins Clark and Ira to discuss […]
-
Ep 115: Gil Brandt Joins The Show To Remember Cowboys RB Don Perkinsby Full Press Coverage on June 22, 2022 at 3:46 pm
Pro Football Hall of Famer Gil Brandt joins Clark and Ira to discuss the […]
-
Ep 114: Former Bengals QB Ken Anderson Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 15, 2022 at 5:12 pm
Former Bengals quarterback and NFL MVP, Ken Anderson, joins Clark and Ira […]
-
Ep 113: HOF Voter Barry Wilner Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 10, 2022 at 6:04 pm
For AP chief correspondent and current Pro Football Hall of Fame voter, […]
-
Ep 112: Colts Owner Jim Irsay Joins To Talk "The Jim Irsay Collection"by Full Press Coverage on May 31, 2022 at 3:05 pm
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay returns to the show to talk with Calrk […]
-
Ep 111: Joe Horrigan Returns To Remember Vietnam Veteran And Former Bills OT Bob Kalsuby Full Press Coverage on May 25, 2022 at 9:25 pm
As we approach Memorial Day, Joe Horrigan returns to the show to talk to […]
-
Ep 110: New Playoff Teams In 2022; Best Matchups On NFL Scehduleby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 3:42 am
Clark, Ira, and Ian give their four teams that didn't make the NFL […]
-
Ep 117: Former Chiefs VP of Player Personnel Bill Kuharich Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on August 3, 2022 at 10:26 pm
Former Chiefs VP of Player Personnel Bill Kuharich joins Clark and Ira to […]
-
Ep 116: Former Buccaneers Head Coach Bruce Arians Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 29, 2022 at 3:03 am
Former Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians joins Clark and Ira to discuss […]
-
Ep 115: Gil Brandt Joins The Show To Remember Cowboys RB Don Perkinsby Full Press Coverage on June 22, 2022 at 3:46 pm
Pro Football Hall of Famer Gil Brandt joins Clark and Ira to discuss the […]
-
Ep 114: Former Bengals QB Ken Anderson Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 15, 2022 at 5:12 pm
Former Bengals quarterback and NFL MVP, Ken Anderson, joins Clark and Ira […]
-
Ep 113: HOF Voter Barry Wilner Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 10, 2022 at 6:04 pm
For AP chief correspondent and current Pro Football Hall of Fame voter, […]
-
Ep 112: Colts Owner Jim Irsay Joins To Talk "The Jim Irsay Collection"by Full Press Coverage on May 31, 2022 at 3:05 pm
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay returns to the show to talk with Calrk […]
-
Ep 111: Joe Horrigan Returns To Remember Vietnam Veteran And Former Bills OT Bob Kalsuby Full Press Coverage on May 25, 2022 at 9:25 pm
As we approach Memorial Day, Joe Horrigan returns to the show to talk to […]
-
Ep 110: New Playoff Teams In 2022; Best Matchups On NFL Scehduleby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 3:42 am
Clark, Ira, and Ian give their four teams that didn't make the NFL […]
-
Ep 244: Auction Draft Strategyby Full Press Coverage on August 6, 2022 at 4:20 pm
-
Ep 243: TE Tiers TE 2022by Full Press Coverage on August 4, 2022 at 1:32 pm
-
Ep 242: WR Tiers Part 2by Full Press Coverage on July 29, 2022 at 7:39 pm
-
Ep 241: WR Tiers 2022 Part 1by Full Press Coverage on July 28, 2022 at 1:50 pm
-
Tyreek Hill vs. Davante Adams: Who Has The Better Season?by Full Press Coverage on August 1, 2022 at 12:48 am
From Full Press NFL Weekly, Ian Glendon, Braden Holecek, and Kyle Senra […]
-
Julio Jones Signs in Tampa Bayby Full Press Coverage on July 29, 2022 at 2:11 pm
Ian and John discuss Julio Jones joining Tom Brady in Tampa Bay. Learn […]
-
Juan Soto Wins Home Run Derby; Is It Worth Watching?by Full Press Coverage on July 19, 2022 at 1:10 pm
From FPC Radio LIVE, Ian Glendon and John Sapochetti react to Juan Soto's […]
-
Jimmy Garoppolo To Tampa Bay? Not so Fastby Full Press Coverage on July 11, 2022 at 1:09 pm
From FPC Radio LIVE, Ian Glendon and John Sapochetti discuss the latest […]
-
Recapping The 2022 Pro Football Hall of Fame Ceremonyby Full Press Coverage on August 9, 2022 at 2:21 pm
Ian discusses his experience in Canton and the Hall of Fame ceremony with […]
-
8/9 - Pro Football Hall of Fame; Shawshank Prison; Aaron Rodgersby Full Press Coverage on August 9, 2022 at 2:06 pm
Ian and John recap the Hall of Fame weekend, discuss Ian's Shawshank […]
-
Tom Brady Turns 45; Is He Still The Face Of The NFL?by Full Press Coverage on August 3, 2022 at 9:49 pm
Ian and John discuss Tom Brady on his 45th birthday and ask the […]
-
8/3 - Vin Scully, Tom Brady, Stephen Ross and the Dolphinsby Full Press Coverage on August 3, 2022 at 1:20 pm
Ian and John discuss the passing of Vin Scully, Tom Brady's birthday, and […]
-
Bill Russell Passes Away At 88by Full Press Coverage on August 1, 2022 at 3:16 pm
Ian and John react to the passing of Celtics' legend, Bill Russell.
-
8/1 - Bill Russell Passes Away; Deshaun Watson Suspendedby Full Press Coverage on August 1, 2022 at 1:59 pm
Ian and John discuss the passing of Celtics' legend Bill Russell and the […]
-
7/29 - Kyler Murray, Julio Jones to Tampa, D.K. Metcalf Extensionby Full Press Coverage on July 29, 2022 at 2:04 pm
Ian and John discuss the Kyler Murray extension, Julio Jones signing in […]
-
Is An Eight-Game Suspension Too Light For Deshaun Watsonby Full Press Coverage on July 22, 2022 at 4:29 pm
Ian and John discuss the rumored 8-game suspension for Browns quarterback, […]
-
Ep 39: Quarterback Contracts, Hill vs Adams, Top 5 QB Contractsby Full Press Coverage on August 1, 2022 at 12:36 am
Ian, Braden, and Kyle discuss the new quarterback contracts, Tyreek Hill […]
-
Ep 38: Tyreek Hill Traded To The Dolphinsby Full Press Coverage on March 24, 2022 at 12:10 am
Ian and Braden react to the trade of Tyreek Hill from the Chiefs to the […]
-
Talkamania Episode 229by Talkamania on August 5, 2022 at 3:37 am
-
Talkamania Episode 227by Talkamania on June 12, 2022 at 3:27 am
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 193 "Summer Slam Review"by Boot 2 The Face on August 8, 2022 at 10:05 am
Marty and Rucker return to talk the sights and sounds of Nashville for WWE […]
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 191 "Summer Slam Preview"by Boot 2 The Face on July 28, 2022 at 12:31 am
Rucker is joined by Angel and Timmy C of Filter Free Popcast who you can […]
-
(Season 2.3) Training Camp Talk w/Zach Selby and Trevor Storesby Full Press Coverage on August 10, 2022 at 12:43 am
-
8/9 - Pro Football Hall of Fame; Shawshank Prison; Aaron Rodgersby Full Press Coverage on August 9, 2022 at 2:06 pm
-
Ep. 17: 2022 Penn State Football Previewby Full Press Coverage on August 9, 2022 at 5:00 am
-
(Seasons 2.2) Commanders Camp Week 3: Roundtable discussion w/ Street Scores Rico and Felix Trammellby Full Press Coverage on August 9, 2022 at 12:41 am
-
Ep. 16: 2022 Auburn Football Previewby Full Press Coverage on August 8, 2022 at 5:00 am
-
Ep 140: Training Camp Part 2by Full Press Coverage on August 7, 2022 at 7:36 pm
-
Ep 244: Auction Draft Strategyby Full Press Coverage on August 6, 2022 at 4:20 pm
-
Ep 125: Mabel/Visceraby Full Press Coverage on August 6, 2022 at 2:00 pm
-
Talkamania Episode 229by Talkamania on August 5, 2022 at 3:37 am
-
Ep. 196 - Bill Russell: Real Life Superheroby Full Press Coverage on August 4, 2022 at 9:32 pm
-
Recapping The 2022 Pro Football Hall of Fame Ceremonyby Full Press Coverage on August 9, 2022 at 2:21 pm
-
8/9 - Pro Football Hall of Fame; Shawshank Prison; Aaron Rodgersby Full Press Coverage on August 9, 2022 at 2:06 pm
-
Tom Brady Turns 45; Is He Still The Face Of The NFL?by Full Press Coverage on August 3, 2022 at 9:49 pm
-
8/3 - Vin Scully, Tom Brady, Stephen Ross and the Dolphinsby Full Press Coverage on August 3, 2022 at 1:20 pm
-
Bill Russell Passes Away At 88by Full Press Coverage on August 1, 2022 at 3:16 pm
-
8/1 - Bill Russell Passes Away; Deshaun Watson Suspendedby Full Press Coverage on August 1, 2022 at 1:59 pm
-
7/29 - Kyler Murray, Julio Jones to Tampa, D.K. Metcalf Extensionby Full Press Coverage on July 29, 2022 at 2:04 pm
-
Is An Eight-Game Suspension Too Light For Deshaun Watsonby Full Press Coverage on July 22, 2022 at 4:29 pm
-
7/22 - Kyler Murray Contract, Watson Suspension, Top 5 NFC Teamsby Full Press Coverage on July 22, 2022 at 12:50 pm
-
7/20 - Charles Barkley, Pre Game Shows, Top 5 AFC Teamsby Full Press Coverage on July 20, 2022 at 1:23 pm