Atlanta Falcons three players to watch closely this pre-season
By Nick Halden
![FLOWERY BRANCH, GA - JULY 30: Defensive Assistant Matt Pees of the Atlanta Falcons works with Deion Jones #45 and Erroll Thompson #53 during training camp at IBM Performance Field on July 30, 2021 in Flowery Branch, Georgia. (Photo by Edward M. Pio Roda/Getty Images) FLOWERY BRANCH, GA - JULY 30: Defensive Assistant Matt Pees of the Atlanta Falcons works with Deion Jones #45 and Erroll Thompson #53 during training camp at IBM Performance Field on July 30, 2021 in Flowery Branch, Georgia. (Photo by Edward M. Pio Roda/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fbloggingdirty-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2018-2F08-2F1331539454-850x560-53e7e161b3194ee4cc62dfbf9dceabaf3d63fef488cc16f1acd9be5c09bfb8bb.jpg)
3. Could Javian Hawkins become a surprise contributor this season
Mike Davis is the starting running back this we know without question. What we are unsure of is who will receive the bulk of the carries when Davis isn’t on the field.
Rookie Javian Hawkins is listed as fourth on the depth chart currently but could easily earn the second running back role with a good pre-season.
Hawkins is an interesting player, a home run hitter who lacks the size or physicality you often want your running back to possess. There is no denying his ability to find open space and get the ball to the endzone. His elusiveness is impressive and should earn him plenty of chances during camp and pre-season to earn an impact role on the team.
Even if Hawkins wins the role in the end it shouldn’t be surprising if Atlanta adds a veteran to the mix as well to compete for a role in the backfield considering their lack of experience at the position.