In a perfect world, the Falcons would have gotten five preseason games to evaluate and develop their first-round pick Kaleb McGary this year. It didn’t work out that way and they only got one. That being said, McGary’s debut against the Jaguars last night went about as well as one could expect.
Coach Dan Quinn told reporters after the game that the team won’t rush McGary into the starting lineup at right tackle. However, he did like what he saw, per the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
“It was his first game experience. . . No matter what, it was a good start. You’ve got to start somewhere. We’d loved to have had this been his fourth or fifth game playing, but that’s not how it went. It was nice to see him answer the challenge and control what he could.”
McGary seems to be pleased with his performance, as well. Here’s what he tweeted late last night:
The Falcons may not want to push him too fast, but if they start Ty Sambrailo Week 1 against a vicious Vikings front seven, McGary may get thrust into the mix quicker than Quinn wants.
The good news is that Atlanta has another legitimate option. Matt Gono has developed into a respectable right tackle in his own right and could help fill the void while McGary works his way up to full speed.
