If you needed any further indication that football season is right around the corner in addition to SEC Media Days taking place in Atlanta, 45 miles away in Flowery Branch, rookies are reporting to Falcons’ training camp.
The rest of the squad will join them a week from today, but the rookies will have a chance to get their bearings before the real grind of camp begins. When it does, plenty of first-year players will have a chance to make an impact for a Falcons’ team entering somewhat of a rebuilding year—even if those in charge won’t say it.
With competition expected at key positions, rookies will certainly have opportunities to earn playing time, but which one has the most to prove?
Is it quarterback Desmond Ridder, who comes to camp anticipating a battle with veteran Marcus Mariota for the starting job? Wide receiver Drake London with the high expectations of a first-round pick?
While both would be logical choices, I’d argue that the answer is DE Arnold Ebiketie. The woes of the Falcons’ pass rush in 2021 and the years prior have been well documented and many hoped to see general manager Terry Fontenot address the need at the top of the draft. Instead, Atlanta opted to draft London and wait until the second round to take the pass rusher out of Penn State. After wreaking havoc in his lone season with the Nittany Lions totaling 9.5 sacks and 18 tackles for loss, the self-proclaimed ‘Dr. of Pass Rush’ will be tasked with turning things around on the edge in Atlanta after the team had a league-worst 18 sacks last season.
Another second round pick in LB Troy Anderson arrives as a bit of wild card and with high praise, so he’s another player that will have to back it up with his play on the field. Tyler Allgeier should be able to compete for carries in the Falcons’ backfield along with Cordarrelle Patterson and Damien Williams, but as a fifth-round pick, the expectations may not be quite as high.
There’s plenty of work to be done before week one, and for rookies, that work begins today. 92.9 The Game will be out at training camp getting you close to the action, so stay tuned!
