The Atlanta Falcons open up organized team activities with big expectations under new head coach Dan Quinn. The team made significant upgrades in the NFL Draft along with getting key depth in free agency that could mean better things are to come as experts predict a 10-5 finish in 2015. As practices with the full roster get underway, the Falcons have some fun position battles that will make this offseason an interesting one for the NFC South team.
In OTAs, the main competition to watch could be the running back position. According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Devonta Freeman is no longer the favorite to start Week 1. After releasing Steven Jackson and Jacquizz Rodgers, Freeman was the expected top rusher until the Falcons drafted Tevin Coleman. According to NFL.com's Gregg Rosenthal, Coleman is now the projected starter, something the former Indiana rusher hopes come true.
"I'm going to come in there and get a starting spot; that's what I'm going to do," Coleman said, via the Atlanta Journal Constitution. "Whoever is the starting back, they're going to have to work. My mentality is, I love that dog mentality. You just have to go out there and show it. Time will tell."
Rosenthal also predicts that rookie Justin Hardy will get the third wide receiver slot over Devin Hester and Eric Weems. After releasing Harry Douglas, Hardy was drafted as a bit of an unknown with high expectations. Alongside Julio Jones and Roddy White, Hardy is expected to stabilize the slot receiver position as he was scouted to be the type of receiver who can create plays when things break down and help bail out the quarterback. The Falcons left rookie mini-camp impressed enough with Hardy to consider him for the job.
The defense also has some interesting battles preparing to take place. First-round draft pick Vic Beasley will be inserted as a starter immediately while the cornerback and safety positions could see some battling. Desmond Trufant is a starter, but Robert Alford and the newly drafted Jalen Collins are expected to contend for the second slot. According to the AJC, Alford could be switched to the safety role if players like Charles Godfrey, Kemal Ishmael or Ricardo Allen do not work out. Collins is still recovering from an injury so until he is healthy, Alford will work as cornerback.
