Preseason normally tells a lot about how a roster is going to shape out in the regular season. Rookies get to earn snaps, and position battles are all but wrapped up. However, one thing the Atlanta Falcons were not expecting was to face injury concerns this early in the season.
Starter Kaleb McGary and his backup Storm Norton have both dealt with lingering injuries over the preseason period. With these two facing injuries, rookie Jack Nelson has been given the unexpected opportunity to shine.
Rookie Jack Nelson's Opportunity to Shine
Jack Nelson is a former All-Big Ten player who shone in his time in Wisconsin. He was a reliable blocker who could play both guard and tackle. He had that classic Wisconsin offensive lineman frame at 6'7" and over 300 pounds. Nelson was drafted in the seventh round of the recent NFL Draft and was expected to be some much-needed depth for the offensive line. Though fans were happy to see him drafted, nobody quite predicted he'd have an opportunity like this.
Nelson could use this opportunity to turn heads early on in his career. He has the ability, and he has experience playing almost every position on the offensive line. That versatility could be huge for Atlanta if injury problems on the offensive line continue.
Most fans would typically write off Nelson's chance to start as soon as the news of the Falcons trading for Michael Jerrell of the Seahawks broke. However, Nelson's versatility could be the ultimate deciding factor. With two guys already hurt, depth on the offensive line has become a major concern for Atlanta. If another guy gets injured, Nelson will be thrust into a starting role regardless. Nelson has also had time to acclimate to Atlanta's scheme, while Jerrell will still be learning the ropes. This is Nelson's opportunity to shine.