Atlanta Falcons Five Players Who Will Breakout in 2018
By Kit Anderson
2. Duke Riley has all the tools but can he put it all together?
Duke Riley was a draft pick I was very high on not long ago. Much like Ito Smith this year I believed his impact to be underscored if he could stay healthy.
Unfortunately for Riley and the Falcons, he was unable to stay on the field and when he did get back played little meaningful football.
He played in the final two games of the season but saw very little action getting only one tackle in last year’s final game. Riley is undersized for a linebacker but for the team’s scheme, he is perfect.
He can drop back or use his speed to get up the field quickly. He is a hard hitter but does need to work on his wrapping up techniques in the open field.
Riley is a player to watch this season and the biggest wildcard in our countdown. With his speed and football instincts, he has the ability to be a very good rotation player this year and make a bigger impact in year two.
If he cannot the questions will begin as to how much longer Riley will be a part of an emerging Atlanta Falcons defense.