The Atlanta Falcons have some brewing position battles preparing to take place in training camp thanks to the progress of the rookie class. The Falcons used their draft picks very wisely this year, acquiring several players that are predicted to make an immediate impact on the field. With that, several returning starters are being put on notice as training camp gets set to start in a week.
The most publicized position battle will be taking place in the run game. After releasing both Steven Jackson and Jacquizz Rodgers in free agency, the Falcons re-sign Antone Smith to rejoin Devonta Freeman while drafting Tevin Coleman. According to ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr, Coleman is a steal of the draft and a player that could start immediately. Offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan stressed that there will be a battle in training camp for the top spot, but Freeman is expected to win.
According to ESPN's Vaughn McClure, Freeman will be ranked as the No.1 running abck and it will likely take a lot to upset him of that seat. The running back is coming off a successful rookie season where he should plenty of potential to be a star. The Falcons like what they have in Coleman, but might not be too keen on forcing him on the field so quickly. According to head coach Dan Quinn, the two backs will likely split carries during training camp with Freeman getting the bulk of the work come the regular season.
The running game is not the only area where a rookie is ready to make his mark. Justin Hardy has been receiving plenty of praise as the new wide receiver of the rotation. While Julio Jones and Roddy White are already penciled in as the No.1 and No.2 players, there is an open spot for No.3 with Harry Douglas now with the Tennessee Titans. Matt Ryan told the media that he really loved what Hardy brought to the field and felt confident he would succeed over guys like Eric Weems and Devin Hester.
"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."
The last battle could be at cornerback with Jalen Collins now in the mix. Due to injury, Collins had a quiet offseason in OTAs and mini-camp, but he has high expectations heading into training camp. With Desmond Trufant in as the No.1 cornerback, Collins will battle Robert Alford and Ricardo Allen to start Week 1. With his siza and speed, Collins could be a real favorite in that battle as the Falcons need secondary stars this year.