Are you ready for the 2016 Atlanta Falcons roster? We’ll take a look at a few key players, including Chris Hooper, Gerald Ridley, and Devonta Freeman. But what are you missing? Continue reading to find out. You can also check out our Atlanta Falcons articles. We’ll also discuss who you should keep an eye out for. These players are expected be huge in 2016.
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Gerald Ridley
If there were any glaring holes in the Falcons’ receiving corps, Ridley would be one of them. Ridley is a talented, but undersized wide receiver, and his recent injuries have hampered his development. Although Ridley had an impressive rookie season, the Falcons have yet to fully utilize his full potential. That said, Ridley remains a valuable player for the team and should be on the Atlanta Falcons’ roster in 2016.
Among the questions surrounding Ridley’s future is his mental state. Fontenot declined to confirm whether Ridley is being traded. Ridley has several health concerns. The Falcons first priority is to determine if Ridley’s investment is worthwhile. While Ridley has a long and successful NFL career, Fontenot said Ridley’s mental health has caused a few problems in recent years.
The Falcons have plenty of cap space to sign free agents, but they will also be watching the depth of their receiver group. With a mid-round selection, the Falcons could add a tackle onto their roster. Alabama tackle Evan Neal will not be drafted below No. 8 so a player in round 3 might be a good fit. Other top receivers could include USC’s Drake London and Ohio State’s Garrett Wilson.
The Falcons’ defense can be again a force if Ridley is able to get well. A lack of defensive line play has forced the Falcons to invest three first-round picks in linemen, including wide receivers Christian Kirk and Kaleb McGary. But the team has had only 32 draft picks since 2015, a number that is significantly lower than the league average. They have had to take more risk with undrafted players than they did in years past.
The Falcons finished the 2010 season as a team with a record of 13-3, their best record since 1998 Super Bowl. In addition to a second-place finish in the NFC West, they won a nine-game winning streak and won the division title. However, they lost the division playoffs to the eventual Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers in the NFC championship game 48-21.
Devonta Freeman
The Falcons are confident about signing Devonta Freeman, running back. The team spoke to the running back to find out more about his intentions. Freeman, who is 28 years old should still be a popular choice on the open market. The Falcons could sign Freeman as a free agent this offseason. Freeman should be one of the top fantasy RB1s this summer, regardless.
Freeman is able to return to practice, despite the injury. However, Atlanta decided to rule Freeman out of Sunday’s game against the Bengals. This leaves Tevin Coleman to lead the Atlanta backfield. If you still have space on your roster, Ito Smith could be a FLEX option. Although Freeman is not guaranteed to play this week, it is worth rostering him if you have the space.
Against the Saints, Freeman rushed 11 times for 36 yards and caught two passes for 20 yards. While he fumbled twice at the goal line, his season total was still good enough to make him an RB2. He should be able continue his strong play if Freeman is healthy in the offseason. The Falcons will need Freeman to lead the way in the postseason.
The running back was rumored to have a shoulder or arm injury. Officials sent Freeman to the hospital after the game, but he should be back on Monday. He is likely to play on Monday night against the Seahawks. Freeman is not expected to be back in the lineup this week. Freeman has handled 13 touches in the first half against the Saints. Devonta Freeman’s return is not likely to change the role of Tevin Coleman, who will probably carry the bulk of the workload in the second half.
Freeman was Atlanta’s starting running back in the first half of the season. He had three straight seasons with at least 1,000 total yards. During the season, he continued to be a solid receiving threat as well. However, he failed to capitalize on his opportunities down the stretch. He has not let his production slow down despite that.
Chris Hooper
The Atlanta Falcons selected tight-end Chris Hooper in third round of the NFL Draft. In the second round, Arkansas’ Hunter Henry was also selected by the team. Hooper was reunited to former Stanford teammate Levine Toilolo. Hooper caught 298 passes in 2016, netting 3,024 yards (a 10.2-yard average) with four touchdowns. Hooper was part of the Falcons’ NFC South division championship win and caught nine passes for 73 yards in his first season.
Austin Hooper, Atlanta’s top tight end, is now out of the picture after a disappointing season. He was the third-leading tight finish in fantasy scoring and eighth in targets. Hooper is expected to compete for targets in Atlanta, and is an intriguing long-term option. Although the team’s receiving corps features the best receiving corps in the league, they need a reliable third option to step up and take the role of No. 2.
The biggest question mark in the Falcons’ offensive line is Hooper. Hooper has an impressive career record, but he is still a rookie. With James Carpenter starting at left guard, Hooper could challenge for snaps. Hennessy is a three-year pro from Temple. Grady Jarrett, on the other hand is a top-ranked defensive player for the Falcons.
The Atlanta Falcons are in desperate need of an offensive lineman. The team is tight on cash and has prioritized other areas. However, Hooper is the best young tight end in the league, and he will cost a lot of money. The team already has negative cap space for next year, so they will need to sell current assets in order to make room for Hooper. It’s possible that Hooper will end up on the practice squad.
Atlanta was a disappointing team in 2016, finishing 7-9 and averaging just 5.4 points per game. They fell to 7-5 for their first time since 2011. The Falcons’ roster is loaded with talent and they have the pieces to make it to the playoffs. If Hooper can play up to expectations, the team will make a serious run this year. Although the Falcons will not be playing in the NFC championship, they still have the potential to challenge for the Super Bowl.
Jamal Ward
Is Jamal Ward on Atlanta Falcons’ roster? It would be an honor for him to be on the team. But, is he good enough? The Atlanta Falcons will need more than just a pass rusher this season. Ward is a versatile player on their defensive line. The Falcons have had a problem containing the run, so they looked to other options.
The Falcons were able to sign Jamal Anderson, as well as veteran cornerbacks Mike Smith (and Ryan McDonough) to their roster. They have already added some depth to their offensive line, which is a positive sign. The Falcons have yet to release their final depth chart. Jamal Anderson, the No. Jamal Anderson, who was the No. 1 pick in 1994’s draft, hasn’t been with the team for the entire season. Ryan McDonough continues serving as the team’s long snapper.
The Falcons have signed Ward and T.Y. McGill. The team also waived WR Breshad Perriman, NT Miles Brown, CB Mike Ford, WR Damion Ratley, TE Steve Smith, and RB Spencer Brown. The team also signed free agents Jabrill Peppers and Mike Williams.