Atlanta Falcons: Devonta Freeman tops team grades after bye week
Oct 15, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) and wide receiver Leonard Hankerson (85) before a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Wide receivers
Julio Jones
Jones may be the best receiver in the game, simple as that. Jones is a great player and that shouldn’t be taken away from him, but there are times where he lets the easy catches get away from him. Still, he makes up for it with amazing playmaking abilities.
So far this season, he has recorded 80 catches for 1,029 yards and six touchdowns, and is on track to break his career best. If Jones can stay healthy throughout all 16 games, he could end the season as the league’s best.
Grade: A
Roddy White
Roddy White isn’t as explosive as he used to be. Those words kill me to say but it’s true. He’s never been the one to stretch the field or turn five yards into thirty. Now with older age and a different game plan, White is expected to help out in the run game and help get the critical yards on tough downs.
Honestly, I’ve been asking for Roddy to move inside for years and work out of the slot but Shanahan will do what he pleases. So far this Roddy’s worst season start of a season with 17 catches and 230 yards on the year.
Grade: C+
Leonard Hankerson
I was not on the Hankerson bandwagon during training camp. There I said it. But each week when watching him play, I can’t help but wonder that his chemistry with Ryan keeps getting better and better. On the year so far he has 22 catches for 291 yards but his play speaks more than his stats.
The only thing I have against him is his ability to stay healthy. Honestly, I hope that he can stay and be valuable piece for the team in the future with White reaching the end of his career.
Grade: B-
Nick Williams
There are some guys that play their way onto a roster and that’s exactly what Williams did. For the year he has nine catches for 98 yards which still blows my mind even after his preseason performance. What makes him so valuable to the offense his ability to play inside, outside and on special teams.
Grade: B
Justin Hardy
Finally, the answers to our prayers was answered last week when rookie Justin Hardy was activated in Week 8. The ECU product recorded two catches for 21 yards in the loss against division rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Grade: Incomplete
Eric Weems
Special teams is a harder job than others because of the limited chances you get to make a play, but Eric Weems is one of the best in the league at what he does. His impact won’t show up in the stat book but only to his teammates and fans. Plus, there is no one tougher or physical as Weems when he’s on the field.
Grade: B-
Next: Tight ends