Feleipe Franks might be the Atlanta Falcons QB answer after Matt Ryan

Even though he did not have a great performance in his first two preseason games versus the Titans and Dolphins, Atlanta Falcons rookie quarterback Feleipe Franks still has great potential.

How much potential? Franks could be the quarterback to lead the Atlanta Falcons after Matt Ryan finally calls it a career. Ryan has two more years remaining on his contract after this season, and he is undoubtedly the Falcons’ best option to win right now.

But what about when Ryan is done? Did Atlanta unknowingly dig up an unpolished gem when they signed Franks as an undrafted free agent? On the positive side, Franks is a raw talent who will not be rushed by head coach Arthur Smith and the Falcons coaching staff. Not to mention that quarterbacks coach Charles London raved about Franks and his traits.

London stated, per the Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

"“He has a big arm. He’s an athletic guy. He had traits that as an offensive staff we were excited about and we wanted to work with them. We were thrilled to get him in the undrafted process.”"

Feleipe Franks shows a lot of potential for the Falcons

At 6’6, and 228 pounds, Feleipe Franks was a solid quarterback in college, throwing for 4,593 yards with 55 touchdowns to 21 interceptions. While at the University of Florida, he suffered a gruesome ankle injury in 2019 but says it was a “blessing”, allowing him to transfer to Arkansas.

Based on this run Franks made against the Titans it would seem the ankle is more than healed.

In any event, Franks will see a lot of action this preseason, given that now is on the Atlanta Falcons quarterback depth chart behind Ryan and the recently signed Josh Rosen. Rosen replaces A.J. McCarron, who tore his right ACL vs. the Dolphins.

The Atlanta Falcons placed McCarron on season-ending IR. According to the unofficial depth chart released earlier this week, both he and Rosen are listed as the number two quarterback under Matt Ryan.

Given that Franks has been on the roster longer than Rosen, he has the edge. Equally important, he can learn from Ryan, who is entering year 14. In addition, he has a coaching staff who believes him, and it is not hyperbole.

The Atlanta Falcons passed on quarterback talent in the NFL Draft. They felt confident that they could find Matt Ryan’s successor elsewhere down the road. Unquestionably, they have him in the form of Franks.