This position finds itself in a similar position to this point last year, with two young talents in the mix with a pair of veterans. One difference: Richie Grant and Jaylinn Hawkins have another year’s experience to their credit. Will that be enough to do what didn’t happen last year and supplement the older pair? We’ll find out this summer.
Erik Harris and Duron Harmon were primary starters, though Hawkins did eat into that a bit, while Grant ended up more in the slot as the 2021 season progressed. Harmon’s in Las Vegas this season and Dean Marlowe’s here with Harris, and both will challenge for their three-down spot.
Grant and Hawkins are in a better position to battle, and it certainly seems like the future’s time could now. It’ll probably benefit the Falcons in the long run if Grant and Hawkins can take control of the safety spots, but I’ve known Harris a long time. He’ll fight for every snap. Smith said expectations have been raised for Grant. They’re also high for Hawkins. Nothing, however, will be given. Those two will have to earn their roles in camp.
Honorable mention: Punter
Elephant in the room: Quarterback
It’s me, Scotty Bair (here) … can’t speak for T-Mac – I think only her high school softball teammates and I call her that – but I left quarterback out of the position battle picks because I’m confident Marcus Mariota starts the season as, well, the starter. Fans will follow this competition as closely as any, even though it’s not quite as open as the others mentioned above.
That said, Desmond Ridder’s competitiveness and drive to start is unquestioned. This will be a position to watch in camp and throughout the season, to see if the backup ever gets the opportunity to start. And, let’s be honest here: we’ll be talking about quarterbacks until we’re confident the Falcons have a long-term answer at the position. And that could be a while.