Adapting to the NFL game takes time for all players, regardless of draft status, 40-yard dash time or how many bench reps they can do. It’s commonly believed that if a player doesn’t develop by their third year in the league, it may never happen.
Of course, there are always exceptions. For example, Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan and wide receiver Julio Jones each played extremely well as rookies. In 2020, Atlanta will have two former first-round picks entering that crucial third year.
Wide receiver Calvin Ridley has made steady progress, but has yet to hit the 1,000-yard receiving milestone. Meanwhile, tight end Hayden Hurst hasn’t made much an impact over his first two years with the Ravens. Both players are expected to have major roles on the Falcons’ offense when the season begins.
During a segment on NFL Network’s Good Morning Football program, Ridley and Hurst were named as potential breakout candidates. Watch Nate Burleson and Mike Garafolo debate which Atlanta player’s stock is about to rise, as shared by GMFB’s Twitter account below.
