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Atlanta Falcons: Five most underrated players heading into training camp

By Colin Hubbard

Dec 13, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Justin Hardy (16) is tackled by Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman (24) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. The Carolina Panthers remain undefeated with a 38-0 win over Atlanta Falcons. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Justin Hardy (16) is tackled by Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman (24) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. The Carolina Panthers remain undefeated with a 38-0 win over Atlanta Falcons. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 13, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Justin Hardy (16) is tackled by Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman (24) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. The Carolina Panthers remain undefeated with a 38-0 win over Atlanta Falcons. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Justin Hardy (16) is tackled by Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman (24) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. The Carolina Panthers remain undefeated with a 38-0 win over Atlanta Falcons. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /

5) Justin Hardy, WR

When it comes to the Atlanta Falcons’ new-look receiving corps in 2016, Mohamed Sanu gets all of the talk. But one man who you should not sleep on heading into training camp is second-year receiver Justin Hardy.

Many viewed Hardy as the Falcons’ perfect replacement for Harry Douglas who was let go at the end of the 2014 season. But week after week went by and Hardy wasn’t on the field. Hardy remained on the inactive list for half of his rookie season before finishing it off with just 21 receptions for 194 yards.

We know exactly what type of receiver Hardy is which is good. At just 5-foot-10 with average foot speed, Hardy will never be an outside receiver. He will do his dirty work on the inside at the slot position so he definitely has his work cut out for him.

One thing Kyle Shanahan and the rest of the coaching staff is wanting to see out of Hardy at this years’ training camp is the ability to catch passes in traffic. Hardy didn’t do very well in this category throughout his rookie campaign, so we will hopefully see a big improvement heading into year two.

Next: No. 4

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