Atlanta Falcons: Players to watch for during the 2017 season

2. Austin Hooper

Tight end Austin Hooper showed great promise as a rookie during the 2016 season. In fact, Matt Ryan developed such a rapport with Hooper that he went to him on a critical third down situation in the Super Bowl for a 19 yard touchdown connection.

Hence, the reason the team opted not to bring back the veteran Jacob Tamme. Much like Schweitzer at right guard, the Falcons ideal scenario involves entrusting a second year player to lock down the fort at another starting position for the foreseeable future.

And if Hooper’s rookie year was any indication, the Falcons may have finally found their answer at tight end.

3-4. Taylor Gabriel and Justin Hardy

Wide receivers Taylor Gabriel and Justin Hardy crack the list here because their futures in Atlanta may be tied at the hip.

Gabriel is playing the 2017 season on the one year restricted free agent tender. If “Turbo” balls out in 2018 like we anticipate, then the cap-strapped Falcons may be forced to let him walk.

That is where Justin Hardy comes into play. The 2015 fourth round pick enters his third season with the team and talks out of camp were that he stood out to coaches and players during the offseason program.

The problem has never been a lack of talent for Hardy, but rather a lack of opportunity. With the Falcons expected to employ more three receiver sets this year, “The Wolf” may finally get the chance to showcase his full skill set.