Atlanta Falcons: 5 Players to Benefit Most from Preseason

Aug 1, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Justin Hardy (16) protects the ball from linebacker Nate Stupar (54) on the field during training camp at the Flowery Branch Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Training camp and preseason games provide the young and brilliant collegiate pass catcher that is Justin Hardy opportunities to shine for his new team: the Atlanta Falcons.  His sure-handedness at ECU as the all-time career receptions leader for the Pirates was a huge reason Atlanta stole him from the other 31 teams in the fourth round.

-= Atlanta Falcons Should Improve in Red Zone in 2015 =-

I believe that Justin Hardy can become a star for the Atlanta Falcons, possibly the heir apparent to Roddy White when he decides to hang up his spikes.  But first, Justin Hardy has to prove to new Offensive Coordinator Kyle Shanahan that he has what it takes to command playing time right away as a rookie.

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Besides White, the Atlanta Falcons have arguably the deepest receivers group in the NFL with the likes of Julio Jones, Leonard Hankerson, and Devin Hester joining Hardy in WRs Coach Terry Robiskie‘s War Room.  Atlanta is losing a great slot receiver in Harry Douglas who actually plays for the Titans.  We’ll see him twice this year.  Hopefully Hardy and newly acquired Hankerson can offset Douglas’ production in the Atlanta Falcons receiving corps.

Where Justin Hardy has to prove himself for the Falcons in the preseason is in route-running.  He has already been chewed out by Shanahan at camp this year, but if Justin Hardy can perfect a handful of route trees in the slot, he could have a strong rookie season for the Atlanta Falcons.

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