The first name that comes to mind when you think of the Atlanta Falcons probably isn’t Russell Gage. After three years of steady improvement, the former sixth-round pick out of LSU is set to start at wide receiver in 2021. The Falcons traded All-Pro Julio Jones and drafted Kyle Pitts in the first round of the draft.
And while Pitts may eventually match Jones’ elite level of production, it’s unlikely the rookie will make a major impact right away. Instead, many around the NFL believe it will be Gage reaping the benefits of Jones’ departure this season.
That’s what NFL Network analyst Peter Schrager declared on today’s episode of Good Morning Football. Schrager ranked Gage at No. 8 on his list of breakout players for 2021. Check out the segment below, as shared by GMFB’s Twitter account.
Time for @PSchrags' Top 10 Breakout Players of 2021!
— GMFB (@gmfb) August 17, 2021
Yesterday we unveiled #10 and # 9.
Today, we give you #8 and #7 .
Good morning, @AtlantaFalcons and @Seahawks fans…Enjoy. pic.twitter.com/YjkajOYESp
In 2020, Gage posted a career-high 72 catches for 786 yards and four touchdowns. Look for him to make his preseason debut along with the rest of the Falcons’ starters in Saturday’s game against the Miami Dolphins.
