Atlanta Falcons Justin Hardy Will Provide Surprising Value
By Kit Anderson
The Atlanta Falcons added an exciting receiver, Calvin Ridley. Ridley will be competing with fourth-year receiver Justin Hardy for reps. Hardy will need to take a step forward in 2018.
Justin Hardy has been with the Atlanta Falcons for four seasons now. He has caught at least 20 passes each of his three seasons but is yet to progress as much as the Falcons are hoping he would.
Last season Hardy caught 20 passes for 221 yards and 3 scores. He has shown a great ability to make clutch catches but not consistently.
Hardy is going to have to take a step forward this season if he hopes to secure a future with the Falcons. Calvin Ridley will be looking to claim the third receiver job and will have the inside edge. Justin Hardy would be the next favorite.
Hardy has the ability to be a productive slot receiver and this may be his last chance to prove that with the Falcons.
If he cannot take an obvious step forward this season it seems the Falcons are likely to move on. Hardy has shown a great red zone ability scoring 7 touchdowns over the last two seasons in very limited targets.
Julio Jones is easily the top receiver for the Falcons. Jones is a beast who is one of the best ever to play. Jones place on the depth chart isn’t moving. Beyond that, the Falcon’s depth chart at receiver seems open for competition.
Justin Hardy, Calvin Ridley, and Austin Hooper will all be working to take a step forward and claim time on the field.
For Ridley and Hooper, it will be an easier task both being younger and having bigger upsides. Hardy is entering a prove-it season for the Falcons. A year Hardy must take an elusive step forward and prove he can be a productive NFL receiver.