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Atlanta Falcons: What to expect from Justin Hardy in 2016

By Freddie Boston

Dec 6, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Justin Hardy (16) runs the ball in the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Justin Hardy (16) runs the ball in the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Justin Hardy is poised to make a jump in his second season with the Atlanta Falcons.

It took a while to get the engine started, but Justin Hardy was able to build some momentum at the backend of the 2015 season.

Hardy — selected in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft — was inactive for the Falcons’ first seven games while he tried to get a grasp of Kyle Shanahan’s offense. Hardy made his debut in the home loss to Tampa Bay, catching two passes for 21 yards.

As the season went on, the rookie’s chemistry with quarterback Matt Ryan developed and this was exactly what the Falcons needed to see. The two will aim to build on this over the offseason ready for the start of the regular season in September.

There has been a number of changes to the receiving corps since December, with Leonard Hankerson and Roddy White released. Devin Hester‘s future is uncertain also. Mohamed Sanu was signed in free agency to be the No. 2 to Julio Jones, meaning Hardy will enter training camp as a the third receiver on the depth chart. 

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This will likely see him find a home in the slot during three-receiver sets, with Jones and Sanu working on the boundary. The trio have the potential to complement each other nicely on the field. Jones (6-foot-3) and Sanu (6-foot-2), have the size to hurt defenses outside the numbers, while the smaller Hardy has safe hands and runs good routes, which make him an ideal candidate underneath.

Jones’ presence will benefit Hardy. No. 11 dominates defense’s game plans, which is hardly surprising given he’s one of the best wideouts in the game. Jones is often joined by two defenders, which in turn should open up space for Hardy to roam in the slot. Don’t count out the respect running back Devonta Freeman will receive also after a breakout, 1,061-yard, 11-touchdown season. The play-action game could become a major facet of the Falcons’ offense.

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With a better understanding of the playbook and more time to fine tune his skills in Shanahan’s offense, Hardy should see an increased role in 2016. It would be unrealistic to expect a breakout 1000-yard campaign from him, but the East Carolina product should do just fine as the third option for Ryan.

Hardy should make a jump in year two and help Atlanta achieve more consistency and fluidity on offense.

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