Hayden Hurst effectively replaces Hooper
Austin Hooper left for Cleveland in free agency, signing a record contract for a tight end. Quickly after his departure, the Falcons traded a second-round pick to the Ravens for Hayden Hurst. While the 26-year-old, former first-round pick has the skill-set to take over Hooper’s role, it’s hard to project success at the tight end position. Hurst finished with 30 catches for 349 yards and two touchdowns despite playing in a prolific offense led by MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson last season.
The Falcons’ offense utilizes the tight end as pass-catcher more than Baltimore’s, though, and the third year is generally when things click for young players. Even with Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley and Todd Gurley in place, Atlanta will need Hurst to take that jump and replicate a good amount of Hooper’s production in order for Dirk Koetter’s offense to function properly.
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