FLOWERY BRANCH – While longshot prospects hoping to make the Falcons roster will get a shot in the final exhibition game, most of the work has been completed.
The Falcons play their third exhibition game, which will be a tune up for the starters, on Saturday and will play the final exhibition game on Thursday, Aug. 31.
Decision-time on the 53-man roster is around the corner.
So, we are going to start looking at each position group to determine who’s going to make the final 53-man roster.
Today, we’ll look at the wide receivers.
Reggie Davis has led the Falcons in receiving yards with 114. He's tied for the team lead with Anthony Dable with five catches each.
While Davis has been impressive, he must be considered to be on the bubble to make the team.
“He came into our rookie minicamp, not even signed, but on a tryout,” Falcons coach Dan Quinn said. “He’s learning new skills. He always had some return game from his UGA time. He’s trying to compete as a gunner to go cover a punt, does he have that?”
Davis is making a strong bid, but the learning new skills comments suggests he's a practice squad candidate.
“He made a good catch down the sideline (against Pittsburgh),” Quinn said. “He missed a block (in) the run game. That was critical. That consistency is what we are looking for.”
Davis must continue to play well and show that he can contribute on special teams and block in the run game, a staple of the Falcons offense.
“He’s definitely somebody, right from the first try out that he put his best foot forward saying 'I want to show that I can do something here,' ” Quinn said. “We are encouraged by where he’s at so far.”
WIDE RECEIVERS: Last season, the Falcons kept six wide receivers on the initial cut down to 53 , but later added Taylor Gabriel on waivers from Cleveland and released Nick Williams. The other five to make the roster were: Julio Jones, Justin Hardy, Mohamed Sanu, Aldrick Robinson and Eric Weems. J.D. McKissic had a great camp, but was cut and signed to the practice squad.
Locks (4): Julio Jones, Mohamed Sanu, Taylor Gabriel, Andre Roberts.
Bubble (3): Justin Hardy, Nick Williams and Reggie Davis.
Longshots (6): Josh Magee, Deante Burton, Reginald Davis III, Marvin Hall, Anthony Dable and Bra'lon Cherry.
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