Which New Falcons Have ‘Impressed’ Coach Arthur Smith?

Although there hasn’t been a single observe with pads, the roster analysis course of is effectively underway for the Atlanta Falcons. With OTAs now within the rearview mirror, head coach Arthur Smith and basic supervisor Terry Fontenot have been capable of see their new additions at work.

For Smith, a number of of them have made constructive first impressions.

It is a main constructive to see the quarterbacks – Marcus Mariota and Desmond Ridder – talked about by Smith, as the 2 can be put beneath a larger-than-usual microscope following the offseason commerce of franchise staple Matt Ryan. 

At this stage of the offseason, it is doubtless Smith is referencing extra of the intangible issues he is seen from the QBs, equivalent to management, work ethic, and their potential to understand the playbook in a well timed method. Nevertheless, there have been sufficient throws all through OTAs for Atlanta’s second-year boss to see what he is working with, and he seems to love the early returns.

Receivers Damiere Byrd and KhaDarel Hodge impressing Smith early is a improvement to regulate. With the Falcons’ receiver room order being completely open for competitors after rookie Drake London and newly acquired Bryan Edwards, the group wants guys to step up.

Hodge had 13 receptions in 16 video games for the Detroit Lions final season, largely taking part in a particular groups position, which provides him a transparent path to a roster spot. Byrd has 105 receptions for 1,292 yards and three touchdowns over the previous three seasons; he is a longtime middle-of-the-order goal who can present stability for Atlanta.

Germain Ifedi affords maybe probably the most attention-grabbing story of these talked about, because the 2016 first-rounder has began 83 video games throughout six seasons, taking part in each proper deal with and proper guard. Whereas many believed he’d simply function a flexible backup, it is a honest guess the Falcons will enable Ifedi to push Kaleb McGary for the beginning proper deal with place.

Very like Hodge, security Dean Marlowe comes with intensive particular groups expertise. He posted respectable numbers at security final season with Detroit, beginning 9 video games and recording 67 tackles. Whereas the highest of Atlanta’s security order seems set with Richie Grant, Jaylinn Hawkins, and Erik Harris poised to get nearly all of the snaps, Marlowe’s fourth-down impression will help him make the roster.

Making a superb first impression means various things for every participant – possibly it improves the chances one in all them begins (Ifedi) versus making a roster spot (Hodge/Marlowe). Nevertheless, Smith has been clear that what occurs in pads, particularly in July and August, carries probably the most weight come minimize day, so whereas these new items are off to a quick begin, they will want to hold the momentum with them all through the remainder of the offseason program.