There are plenty of early standouts for the Atlanta Falcons in the first few days of training camp. As the team prepares for their first preseason game of the season, several players are battling for their spot on the depth chart, especially on offense. Position competition is everywhere in Atlanta and some players are making the absolute most of their first-team reps.
One thing the Falcons are looking to find is a consistent threat at tight end. After losing Tony Gonzalez to retirement a few years ago, the Falcons struggled to replace his consistency on the field. Levin Toilolo has been the starter the past two seasons, but not someone to rave about. According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Jacob Tamme is appearing to be the new starting tight end after a solid few days on the field. Signing over from the Denver Broncos, Tamme believes the Falcons have an offense ready to compete.
"I think we can have an offense that can be pretty dynamic, but it's going to take a lot of work," said Tamme, via AJC.com. "Just kind of one day at a time. Today was the first day with the pads. We just have to keep building and building."
Leonard Hankerson is another free agent acquisition that is looking strong on the field for Atlanta. With Julio Jones and Roddy White penciled in as the starting duo, the third spot is up for grabs after Harry Douglas was released. Hankerson is getting opportunities along with rookie Justin Hardy who has had an impressive start to his NFL career. White told the media that he feels confident in his position with the team while he waits for someone to emerge as another starting threat.
"I like Hankerson. He's a good player," White said, via ESPN.com. "I really think he's going to help us. But I've been in this league 11 years. If someone wants to say I'm in a competition, they need to come to me and let me know. I'm not going to fight and fuss about it. I just speak on what I've done in the NFL. I can't speak on what anyone else has done."
Along with the wide receivers, all eyes are on the developing run game for the Falcons. With offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan making it a priority this season, the Falcons have the pressure on Tevin Coleman and Devonta Freeman who are both getting first-team reps at the start of training camp. Head coach Dan Quinn has no plans on naming a starter right now while Matt Ryan stressed the importance of both players.
"I think it's important for all of us to step up,'' Ryan said, via ESPN.com. "I think it's about 53 guys on our roster pulling their weight, no matter what position it is. And I think all of our guys in that backfield are doing a great job trying to learn this offense as fast as they can, and competing to get playing time. You know, the more competition that we have at that [running back] position, the better off we're going to be."
