Feleipe Franks is 6-6 with an 82-inch wingspan and ran in the high 4.5s at his pro day; he’s not like most NFL quarterbacks. His athletic profile makes him a natural candidate for a position change, and the Falcons are doing their best Saints impression of Taysom Hill this training camp.
https://twitter.com/AtlantaFalcons/status/1555949306120658946?s=20&t=mqW-su9oh8m6rskCW12ZBw
#Falcons TE/QB Feleipe Franks just keeps impressing. Beats rookie LB Troy Andersen, who looks like he stumbled a bit. pic.twitter.com/h0sRe2aI2K
— Kevin Knight (@FalcoholicKevin) August 2, 2022
#Falcons Desmond Ridder to TE/QB Feleipe Franks for the TD. pic.twitter.com/iTOI5Nj6XB
— Kevin Knight (@FalcoholicKevin) August 1, 2022
The Falcons are still giving the Florida and Arkansas product reps at quarterback, and fans can expect him to get snaps during the preseason in that role; however, if he’s to have any impact in the regular season, it’ll come in special packages. Whether that be as a tight end or quarterback, Franks is making a case for a roster spot.
The plays he’s made in camp illustrate just how special he is — Troy Andersen is one of the most athletic linebackers in the league, and Franks dusts him. Now, there is much more to the position than winning one-on-ones or seven-on-sevens in training camp. However, Franks is doing his best Taysom Hill impression, who Falcons fans know well for his erratic game-changing plays with New Orleans.
Arthur Smith is a creative offensive mind. Look no further than Cordarrelle Patterson, who was long considered a specialist in the third phase but broke out in his ninth NFL season — recording career-highs in nearly every offensive metric. This year, that player could be Avery Williams.
The Boise State product began his career mainly as a return specialist (sound familiar), supplemented by a few snaps as a defensive back. However, he’s undergone a position change and will be attacking defenses from the backfield in 2022. Given his natural vision as a returner, getting the ball in Williams’ hands in space will be an exciting wrinkle in Smith’s offense. And Franks could have a similar impact; Arthur Smith clearly has a vision for the second-year pro. We’ll see if it comes to fruition this fall.
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Photographer: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
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