Post by Guvmintcheeze on Jun 1, 2015 20:04:31 GMT
Five Atlanta Falcons to watch during Week 2 of OTAs
Vaughn McClure, ESPN Staff Writer
An eventful last week for the Atlanta Falcons included the opening of organized team activities, the arrest and release of a second-year linebacker, and the addition of a veteran offensive lineman.
As the Falcons move into the second week of OTAs, here are five players to keep an eye on:
Chris Chester, offensive guard: The veteran signed a one-year, $2.8 million deal with the team on Friday to give the Falcons another experienced starter up front. All indications are Chester simply wasn't a fit in Washington -- which is why the Redskins released him -- and he still has the ability to be an asset as a run blocker. It will be interesting to watch how he fares in one-on-one pass protection. It also will be intriguing to see if he steps right in at left guard or if the team opts to put him at his comfort zone at right guard, where Jon Asamoah already is the starter.
Kemal Ishmael, safety: Everyone around the Falcons realizes Ishmael is a sure-tackler with the ability to make plays. The question is, could the strong safety step into a starting role at free safety if asked? Coach Dan Quinn said Ishmael would be one of the players competing at the position along with veteran Charles Godfrey and converted cornerback Ricardo Allen. Once projected starting strong safety William Moore returns from shoulder surgery, Ishmael could make the battle at free safety that much more intriguing if he shows the range Quinn desires. Remember, Ishmael primarily played free safety in college at Central Florida.
Ra'Shede Hageman, defensive line: Hageman showed up this offseason looking strong and trim after struggling to catch his wind as a rookie last preseason.
The new, fast-paced tempo of practices will test Hageman's conditioning on a daily basis. And the new defensive scheme, which takes away much of the read-and-react element that caused confusion last season, should allow Hageman to show of his burst and athleticism more often. Hageman just has to stay focused out on the practice field.
Justin Hardy, wide receiver: The rookie fourth-round draft pick from East Carolina appears confident and obviously can catch the ball.
Once he starts to get more opportunities, we'll see just how much of an impact he might have as possibly the team's primary slot receiver. Hardy looked fluid during the first week of OTAs. Maybe he'll really stand out during the second week after his enjoying a few days off to attend the NFLPA's Rookie Premiere.
Justin Durant, linebacker: Durant already seems to be a favorite for his willingness to interact with fans on Twitter. On the field, the veteran is capable of making plays if he remains healthy. Apparently Durant didn't see much action in voluntary minicamp or the workouts leading up to OTAs, although he was cleared coming off last year's season-ending biceps tear. The Falcons simply need Durant healthy for the regular season, so if preserving his body this offseason is part of the plan, it makes sense.
Vaughn McClure, ESPN Staff Writer
An eventful last week for the Atlanta Falcons included the opening of organized team activities, the arrest and release of a second-year linebacker, and the addition of a veteran offensive lineman.
As the Falcons move into the second week of OTAs, here are five players to keep an eye on:
Chris Chester, offensive guard: The veteran signed a one-year, $2.8 million deal with the team on Friday to give the Falcons another experienced starter up front. All indications are Chester simply wasn't a fit in Washington -- which is why the Redskins released him -- and he still has the ability to be an asset as a run blocker. It will be interesting to watch how he fares in one-on-one pass protection. It also will be intriguing to see if he steps right in at left guard or if the team opts to put him at his comfort zone at right guard, where Jon Asamoah already is the starter.
Kemal Ishmael, safety: Everyone around the Falcons realizes Ishmael is a sure-tackler with the ability to make plays. The question is, could the strong safety step into a starting role at free safety if asked? Coach Dan Quinn said Ishmael would be one of the players competing at the position along with veteran Charles Godfrey and converted cornerback Ricardo Allen. Once projected starting strong safety William Moore returns from shoulder surgery, Ishmael could make the battle at free safety that much more intriguing if he shows the range Quinn desires. Remember, Ishmael primarily played free safety in college at Central Florida.
Ra'Shede Hageman, defensive line: Hageman showed up this offseason looking strong and trim after struggling to catch his wind as a rookie last preseason.
The new, fast-paced tempo of practices will test Hageman's conditioning on a daily basis. And the new defensive scheme, which takes away much of the read-and-react element that caused confusion last season, should allow Hageman to show of his burst and athleticism more often. Hageman just has to stay focused out on the practice field.
Justin Hardy, wide receiver: The rookie fourth-round draft pick from East Carolina appears confident and obviously can catch the ball.
Once he starts to get more opportunities, we'll see just how much of an impact he might have as possibly the team's primary slot receiver. Hardy looked fluid during the first week of OTAs. Maybe he'll really stand out during the second week after his enjoying a few days off to attend the NFLPA's Rookie Premiere.
Justin Durant, linebacker: Durant already seems to be a favorite for his willingness to interact with fans on Twitter. On the field, the veteran is capable of making plays if he remains healthy. Apparently Durant didn't see much action in voluntary minicamp or the workouts leading up to OTAs, although he was cleared coming off last year's season-ending biceps tear. The Falcons simply need Durant healthy for the regular season, so if preserving his body this offseason is part of the plan, it makes sense.