The probability of the Falcons retaining Pro Bowl tight end Austin Hooper took a significant hit on Tuesday when the team announced its plans to let him test the free agent market.
Atlanta doesn’t have the cap space to match the kind of top-level money Hooper is likely to command in free agency. So while the team hasn’t ruled out the possibility of bringing him back, Hooper’s age and production make him one of the biggest names available this offseason.
Here are seven potential replacements in the 2020 NFL Draft for the Falcons to consider if they lose Hooper.
Thaddeus Moss — LSU
2019 Stats: 47 catches, 570 yards, 4 TDs
Projection: Rounds 2-4
Analysis: Moss averaged 12.1 yards per catch for a dynamic LSU offense in 2019. Has a rangy frame and elite athleticism, but isn’t refined as a blocker. In the second or third round, Atlanta may see Moss as a perfect replacement for Hooper, while drafting another tight end to be more of a blocking specialist. Moss has been compared to Jordan Reed, and has the most upside as a weapon of any TE in the draft.
Video: Moss (No. 81) comes up big with 99 yards and a TD vs. Oklahoma: