The Atlanta Falcons honestly did not have many needs on the offensive side of the ball. With additions to the offensive line and wide receiver corps this offseason, the only true position that was a flag for concern was tight end.
The Falcons have an aging tight end in Jacob Tamme, who has proven he can play, but the question is how long? He’s over the 30 year mark, and the Falcons need a pass catching target they can build and count on for the future.
That’s why the Falcons selected Austin Hooper in the third round. Hooper played his college ball at Stanford, the new destination for tight ends apparently. He stands at 6-foot-4 and weighs 254 pounds. Hooper has good route running ability, with hands that can catch, and has the speed and strength to be a hot target for Matt Ryan. The analysts compare him to Coby Fleener.
What do the fans think of the pick?
Fun fact: Austin Hooper is a not a hooper, but rather a phenomenal @AtlantaFalcons Tight End! #BackThePac https://t.co/OezE0rk0ZD
— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) April 30, 2016
This video shows Hooper’s ability to catch the football, something the Falcons desperately needed.
Absolutely hating this #Falcons draft class
— Colin Hubbard (@ColinHubbard22) April 30, 2016
Ouch! Our own Colin is not thrilled. He’s usually right, however I’m going to pray he is wrong this time.
Our new #Falcons SS Keanu Neal, OLB Deion Jones, and TE Austin Hooper. i love all three of them. Welcome fellas to the #ATL. #Riseup
— Is What It Is (@tobyd1991) April 30, 2016
Dan’s vision seems to be coming together smoothly. Three picks that make sense given his nature of work.
Lol we drafted a TE that can catch
— Josh (@Cooliooojones) April 30, 2016
Yes we did! He can catch very well!
.@FoAmPositeGaNg1 Hooper is no superstar but the #Falcons so rarely build around Matt Ryan, it’s a nice change of pace.
— Aaron Freeman (@falcfans) April 30, 2016
That’s a good way to look at it. You can never give your quarterback too many weapons.
More grades from @PFF_Steve:
— PFF (@PFF) April 30, 2016
TE Austin Hooper to ATL: C+
OT Le'Raven Clark to IND: C+
LB Jordan Jenkins to NYJ: B-https://t.co/6kegdJIumi
Once again PFF, I do not care. Your grades always seem to be on the low end.
Next: Atlanta Falcons draft grades rounds 1-3
Most fans seemed to think the Falcons needed a threat at the tight end position. Although he might take a year or two, Hooper appears to be a good pick from a good school.