va2gafalcons Posted May 31, 2015 Share Posted May 31, 2015 Five Atlanta Falcons to watch during Week 2 of OTAs An eventful last week for the Atlanta Falcons included the opening of organized team activities, the arrest and release of a second-year linebacker, and the addition of a veteran offensive lineman.As the Falcons move into the second week of OTAs, here are five players to keep an eye on:Chris Chester, offensive guard: The veteran signed a one-year, $2.8 million deal with the team on Friday to give the Falcons another experienced starter up front. All indications are Chester simply wasn't a fit in Washington -- which is why the Redskins released him -- and he still has the ability to be an asset as a run blocker. It will be interesting to watch how he fares in one-on-one pass protection. It also will be intriguing to see if he steps right in at left guard or if the team opts to put him at his comfort zone at right guard, where Jon Asamoah already is the starter.Kemal Ishmael, safety: Everyone around the Falcons realizes Ishmael is a sure-tackler with the ability to make plays. The question is, could the strong safety step into a starting role at free safety if asked? Coach Dan Quinn said Ishmael would be one of the players competing at the position along with veteran Charles Godfrey and converted cornerback Ricardo Allen. Once projected starting strong safety William Moore returns from shoulder surgery, Ishmael could make the battle at free safety that much more intriguing if he shows the range Quinn desires. Remember, Ishmael primarily played free safety in college at Central Florida. Hageman showed up this offseason looking strong and trim after struggling to catch his wind as a rookie last preseason.Justin Hardy, wide receiver: The rookie fourth-round draft pick from East Carolina appears confident and obviously can catch the ball.Once he starts to get more opportunities, we'll see just how much of an impact he might have as possibly the team's primary slot receiver. Hardy looked fluid during the first week of OTAs. Maybe he'll really stand out during the second week after his enjoying a few days off to attend the NFLPA's Rookie Premiere.Justin Durant, linebacker: Durant already seems to be a favorite for his willingness to interact with fans on Twitter. On the field, the veteran is capable of making plays if he remains healthy. Apparently Durant didn't see much action in voluntary minicamp or the workouts leading up to OTAs, although he was cleared coming off last year's season-ending biceps tear. The Falcons simply need Durant healthy for the regular season, so if preserving his body this offseason is part of the plan, it makes sense. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krammmit Posted May 31, 2015 Share Posted May 31, 2015 Hey look... a new thread! And something worth reading. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
va2gafalcons Posted May 31, 2015 Author Share Posted May 31, 2015 Hey look... a new thread! And something worth reading.Getting tired of reading about Shembo? LMAO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandomFan Posted May 31, 2015 Share Posted May 31, 2015 http://espn.go.com/blog/atlanta-falcons/post/_/id/13683/five-atlanta-falcons-to-watch-during-week-2-of-otasYou missed some of it.Ra'Shede Hageman, defensive line: Hageman showed up this offseason looking strong and trim after struggling to catch his wind as a rookie last preseason.The new, fast-paced tempo of practices will test Hageman's conditioning on a daily basis. And the new defensive scheme, which takes away much of the read-and-react element that caused confusion last season, should allow Hageman to show of his burst and athleticism more often. Hageman just has to stay focused out on the practice field.https://twitter.com/FansAuthentic/status/604688937769050112 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krammmit Posted May 31, 2015 Share Posted May 31, 2015 Getting tired of reading about Shembo? LMAOHaha just a little Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
va2gafalcons Posted May 31, 2015 Author Share Posted May 31, 2015 http://espn.go.com/blog/atlanta-falcons/post/_/id/13683/five-atlanta-falcons-to-watch-during-week-2-of-otasYou missed some of it.Ra'Shede Hageman, defensive line: Hageman showed up this offseason looking strong and trim after struggling to catch his wind as a rookie last preseason.The new, fast-paced tempo of practices will test Hageman's conditioning on a daily basis. And the new defensive scheme, which takes away much of the read-and-react element that caused confusion last season, should allow Hageman to show of his burst and athleticism more often. Hageman just has to stay focused out on the practice field.https://twitter.com/FansAuthentic/status/604688937769050112http://espn.go.com/blog/atlanta-falcons/post/_/id/13683/five-atlanta-falcons-to-watch-during-week-2-of-otasYou missed some of it.Ra'Shede Hageman, defensive line: Hageman showed up this offseason looking strong and trim after struggling to catch his wind as a rookie last preseason.The new, fast-paced tempo of practices will test Hageman's conditioning on a daily basis. And the new defensive scheme, which takes away much of the read-and-react element that caused confusion last season, should allow Hageman to show of his burst and athleticism more often. Hageman just has to stay focused out on the practice field.https://twitter.com/FansAuthentic/status/604688937769050112Thanks. I dont how it cut that piece out Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bawse Posted May 31, 2015 Share Posted May 31, 2015 Hageman looks to be in great shape. Looking forward to seeing the dude this season. He's gonna be a beast, he needed a HC like Quinn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FentayeJones Posted May 31, 2015 Share Posted May 31, 2015 Hageman looks to be in great shape. Looking forward to seeing the dude this season. He's gonna be a beast, he needed a HC like Quinn. I was thinking the same thing... Hageman looks good in that pic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Da_Truth Posted May 31, 2015 Share Posted May 31, 2015 Thank goodness something to read about other than Shembo. In fact it's old news that we no longer need to focus on--since he's been waived. I'm ready for more OTA news. Thanks for posting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madman88 Posted May 31, 2015 Share Posted May 31, 2015 I hope 77 can really play to his potential, so we all can see him grow right in front of us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lornoth Posted May 31, 2015 Share Posted May 31, 2015 I'm so excited to watch Hageman this season. Just re-watched him punk the Ain'ts week 16 and it got me pumped for him all over again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vandy Posted May 31, 2015 Share Posted May 31, 2015 I'm so excited to watch Hageman this season. Just re-watched him punk the Ain'ts week 16 and it got me pumped for him all over again.Me too. Kid has overcame slot of adversity in his life, this is just another step in his journey. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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