The Atlanta Falcons will be counting on Austin Hooper in 2018. Hooper must step up and become a more consistent red zone target during the season.
Lost in the shuffle of Julio Jones, Devonta Freeman, Calvin Ridley, Tevin Coleman, and Mohamed Sanu is Atlanta Falcons tight-end Austen Hooper. Hooper was a consistent weapon for Ryan last year.
His receptions could go up even further this season considering he has been working with Matt Ryan all off-season. Hooper had 49 catches for 526 yards last season becoming the Falcon’s best option at tight end.
Working hard during camp and during the off-season, Hooper has remained focus on getting better and becoming a better red zone target.
A big bodied receiver like Hooper is going to be detrimental to the Falcon’s ability to throw the ball close to the goal line. With the running game being focused on and Julio Jones being doubled the Falcon’s best option will often be Hooper.
Being able to use his size to manipulate the defense and use him as a consistent weapon will be huge for Hooper and the Falcons. It is unlikely he will ever be doubled considering the aforementioned weapons he will have all around him.
There is also the fact to consider Hooper may be one of Ryan’s preferred targets this season. Spending as much time with Hooper as Ryan has a chemistry grows, one that will be beneficial on the field reading each other and deciphering just when the right time is to throw the football.
Hooper has good hands and is a very solid receiver though he will need to continue to work on improving his blocking ability. Holding his blocks without actually holding was a challenge for the young tight end.
Working hard to improve his blocking should be a focus for Hooper during Falcon’s camp. Watch for Hooper to play a much bigger role in the offense in 2018 as the team attempts to finally bring an elusive Super Bowl to Atlanta.