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Atlanta Falcons: 4 Fearless Offseason Predictions

By Eric Robinson

Oct 29, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) points to the sidelines during the first half of a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) points to the sidelines during the first half of a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 19, 2016; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie (16) returns a punt for a touchdown against the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Louisiana-Lafayette 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie (16) returns a punt for a touchdown against the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Louisiana-Lafayette 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Prediction #4: The Falcons will draft a returner in the late rounds 

Having veteran special teamer Eric Weems returning kicks and punts last season was not special by any means. The veteran is an unrestricted free agent this offseason and it’s quite possible he will not be a Falcon for the 2017 season.

The Falcons did however draft a key returner in receiver Devin Fuller last year in the seventh round. A shoulder injury suffered in the preseason wiped away Fuller’s rookie season.

So this offseason, Fuller will be fully healthy and will be a key name in finding a starter at kickoff and punt return.

At least the team hopes he will be. Fuller never got an opportunity to stamp his name and make an impact. Outside of Weems, Fuller is the only reliable option on the team at returner albeit technically unproven.

This may lead to the Falcons drafting another returner in the seventh round of this draft to create a training camp battle between Fuller and the incoming drafted player.

Prospects such as wide receivers Isaiah McKenzie of Georgia, Kermit Whitfield of Florida State, Speedy Noil of Texas A&M, Victor Bolden Jr. of Oregon State and running back T.J. Logan of North Carolina are all speedy options that can give Fuller an interesting competition.

Next: Top 20 Games In Atlanta Falcons History

The Falcons will look to upgrade the return game this offseason. This is exactly how they would do it.

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