The career quarterback turned true hybrid player is gaining confidence doing somewhat new things outside the offensive backfield. Don’t forget that the Falcons had him working at tight end and on special teams during last season, including a few snaps during the 2021 campaign. We just didn’t see it much because practices were largely closed when he started changing responsibilities.
Maybe it’s because Franks has been working more at tight end in open OTA sessions, or that media’s seeing him working less in a red non-contact jersey and a decent amount in standard black and while. So, again, this is nothing new. It is a continuation, maybe an expansion – we’ll see on that – of his hybrid role.
That said, Franks hasn’t regularly playing a position outside quarterback since middle school. He was a safety then. In terms of offense, though, he was always a passer.
Franks is also a big, athletic dude who can move. It’s certainly possible he can be helpful as a tight end or receiver or special teams player. While the Falcons have more mobility than ever under center with Marcus Mariota and Desmond Ridder, there are creative things the Falcons can do with versatile players.
Franks is leaning into an opportunity originally presented to him a year ago.
“I’m about whatever I can do to help,” Franks said. “It was more about adding more value for myself in the quarterback and tight end room. For me, it’s about being able to do more things, at tight end and quarterback and on special teams. I’ll do whatever.”
He has been doing a fair amount of tight end work – while still throwing after practice – during the select OTAs open to the public. Offensive coordinator Dave Ragone said he’s doing more tight end work at this early stage. That’s helping the player learn a position that’s pretty (but not completely) new.
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