Every year, NFL players face tremendous pressure. Young players are expected to improve. Veterans are expected to defy age. Those making the most money are expected to avoid injury.
However, that doesn’t mean certain players don’t still face more pressure than others. After the first wave of free agency, the Atlanta Falcons‘ roster is taking shape for next season.
Let’s examine the four Falcons players that will be under the most scrutiny entering 2020.
TE Hayden Hurst
Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY SportsHurst is in position to take his game to the next level after a limited role in Baltimore’s offense last season. Austin Hooper may not ultimately be worth the monster contract he received from Cleveland, but he was deserving of the money based on his elite production.
Not only is Hurst a former first-round pick, Atlanta gave up a second-round pick to acquire him and he must replace one of the top five tight ends in the game. Getting traded to the Falcons may be just what Hurst needs to maximize his skill-set, but the pressure is on.
DE Takk McKinley
Jason Getz-USA TODAY SportsMcKinley is another former first-round pick that’s become a tough player to evaluate at this point in his career. Was he great in 2019? No, but he should have a better supporting cast next season and he’s always had a high pressure rate off the edge. Perhaps with a slightly tweaked defense under defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, McKinley can finally have the breakout season the team has been waiting for.
Plus, money is always a good motivator. If McKinley produces, he stands to make millions with either the Falcons or another team. Atlanta has let two defensive ends walk in free agency, so the opportunity for Takk will be there. Whether or not the edge rusher produces will be one of the team’s most interesting storylines in 2020.
CB Isaiah Oliver
Jason Getz-USA TODAY SportsOliver is on this list because Desmond Trufant is now playing for the Lions. The Falcons needed cap space, but Trufant’s quick landing with Detroit is indicative of how good he still is when healthy. Oliver was was forced to step up with Trufant injured last season, often being targeted and picked on before the team’s second-half surge.
He definitely improved and is a starting corner in this league, but how good can Oliver be in his third season? The Falcons have Kendall Sheffield and Blidi Wreh-Wilson, but the team lacks experience at the outside corner position. Expect Atlanta to add a defensive back in the draft. As potentially the team’s No. 1 corner, though, Oliver will feel the heat this season.
OT Kaleb McGary
Jason Getz-USA TODAY SportsWhile McGary didn’t have a great rookie season, he was solid and showed outstanding toughness by playing through injury as a first-year starter. He undoubtedly improved as the season went along — especially when Chris Lindstrom got healthy — but McGary’s ceiling will have a massive effect on how good the offense as a whole can be.
If he takes another step forward, the Falcons’ offensive line could go from a weakness to a strength. Atlanta should be able to hang with any team in the league if this group can protect Matt Ryan and open up running lanes for Todd Gurley.
