Former Falcon Pushing for Surprise Starting Role with New Team

Sep 17, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Mack Hollins (18) reacts after a catch against the Green Bay Packers in the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Sep 17, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Mack Hollins (18) reacts after a catch against the Green Bay Packers in the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

It's been an exciting offseason for the Atlanta Falcons with their first preseason game right around the corner. Michael Penix is the man under center now, and the offense is loaded with quality skill-position players like Bijan Robinson, Drake London, Darnell Mooney, and a resurgent Kyle Pitts.

They've shuffled through quite a few receivers in recent years, trying to find the right mix of players, and the Falcons have certainly accomplished that goal.

One former Atlanta wideout is now with the New England Patriots, and he's surprisingly pushing for a starting role after returning from injury during training camp.

Former Falcons WR Mack Hollins Pushing for Starting Gig with Patriots

As noticed by Patriots reporter Mike Reiss, Mack Hollins is now off the PUP (physically unable to perform) list, and he's surging up the depth chart. New England overhauled their wide receiver room this offseason, bringing in Hollins and Stefon Diggs to help complement young quarterback Drake Maye.

Those moves seem to be paying off, and this might be Hollins' best chance to truly make a name for himself in the league. He's always been a dependable depth piece, though his career high in receiving yards is just 690. Hollins played for Atlanta in 2023, catching 18 passes for 251 yards in 13 games.

At 6-foot-4 and 221 pounds with great downfield speed, Hollins has the prototypical size you look for in a wideout. Due to injuries and lack of opportunity, he hasn't delivered on the promise his physical stature suggests, though that could change now.

New England spent draft picks on Ja'Lynn Polk, Javon Baker, and Kyle Williams in recent years, but Polk and Baker struggled in their rookie campaigns, and Williams is obviously unproven. Hollins gives Maye a reliable veteran target, and at just 31 years old, he should still have some juice left.

The Falcons are in a great spot and shouldn't be worried about Hollins' impressive efforts thus far. Even still, it would hurt to see him turn into an 800-yard type of player in his new city.

More Atlanta Falcons News and Rumors: