It happens every year; somebody picked on day three of the NFL draft breaks out and leaves scouts scratching their heads. Last year, Donovan Peoples-Jones and Michael Onwenu played significant roles after being 2020 sixth-round picks. When you think of sixth-round wide receivers that broke out, Antonio Brown immediately comes to mind for most people. While most guys don’t ever reach that level, I thought the Falcons picked up a gem in Frank Darby. After watching his tape, I expected Darby to play valuable snaps immediately, even before the Julio Jones trade. With the competition for Atlanta’s X wide receiver wide open, Darby could contribute in a big way immediately.
I would absolutely love to be making “who needs Julio?” jokes in Week 5 because Frank Darby has 650 yards https://t.co/Uad9IGdVTd
— SportsTalkATL.com (@SportsTalkATL) June 8, 2021
Missed this before, but this connection should get to practice a lot more together. Feleipe Franks has a super clean throwing motion, but Frank Darby is the one who makes a great play on an underthrown ball pic.twitter.com/PtSOyJz93C
— SportsTalkATL Jake (@cantguardjake) May 5, 2021
In a deep 2021 WR class, #ArizonaState wideout Frank Darby has caught me eye. He's fast, elusive, and explosive, and terrifies secondaries with his ability. He averaged nearly 20 yards a catch on just 31 catches lasts season. He does a really nice job stacking the DB here. pic.twitter.com/b5db6WLVOO
— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) July 4, 2020
FRANK DARBY R U SERIOUS!?!?! pic.twitter.com/0Hnsvk2d3i
— Sun Devil Football (@ASUFootball) September 16, 2018
Not only can he play the deep ball, he has some turn & burn to his game. Exciting player. Don’t be shocked if he breaks camp as a starter if the Falcons keep Gage in the slot. pic.twitter.com/294E1uJ2nX
— SportsTalkATL Jake (@cantguardjake) June 8, 2021
Darby is an incredible deep threat, and his catch radius is pretty impressive for a guy who can blow by defensive backs like that. He has a rare blend of size, athleticism, and jump-ball ability. He was going to work his way into this offense before the Julio Jones trade, but now, I expect Darby to have an incredible rookie season and help Kyle Pitts, Calvin Ridley, Russell Gage, and Hayden Hurst fill the void left by Julio Jones. He’ll be competing with the likes of Tajae Sharpe and Olamide Zaccheaus, but Darby should have the inside track, given the regime drafted him.
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