Feleipe Franks is 6-6 with an 82-inch wingspan and ran in the high 4.5s at his pro day; he’s not like most NFL quarterbacks. His athletic profile makes him a natural candidate for a position change, and the Falcons are doing their best Saints impression of Taysom Hill this training camp.
The Falcons are still giving the Florida and Arkansas product reps at quarterback, and fans can expect him to get snaps during the preseason in that role; however, if he’s to have any impact in the regular season, it’ll come in special packages. Whether that be as a tight end or quarterback, Franks is making a case for a roster spot.
The plays he’s made in camp illustrate just how special he is — Troy Andersen is one of the most athletic linebackers in the league, and Franks dusts him. Now, there is much more to the position than winning one-on-ones or seven-on-sevens in training camp. However, Franks is doing his best Taysom Hill impression, who Falcons fans know well for his erratic game-changing plays with New Orleans.
Arthur Smith is a creative offensive mind. Look no further than Cordarrelle Patterson, who was long considered a specialist in the third phase but broke out in his ninth NFL season — recording career-highs in nearly every offensive metric. This year, that player could be Avery Williams.
The Boise State product began his career mainly as a return specialist (sound familiar), supplemented by a few snaps as a defensive back. However, he’s undergone a position change and will be attacking defenses from the backfield in 2022. Given his natural vision as a returner, getting the ball in Williams’ hands in space will be an exciting wrinkle in Smith’s offense. And Franks could have a similar impact; Arthur Smith clearly has a vision for the second-year pro. We’ll see if it comes to fruition this fall.
Photographer: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
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