Atlanta Falcons: A way too early 53-man roster prediction
Tight Ends: (3, 28/53)
- Hayden Hurst
- Jaeden Graham
- Jared Pinkney
The tight end position will see some different faces in 2020 and hopefully it all works out for the Falcons. Atlanta acquired Hayden Hurst and a fourth-round draft pick in the 2020 NFL Draft from the Baltimore Ravens for a second and fifth-round picks in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Hurst comes in as the starting tight end to replace Austin Hooper who left via free agency. He signed a four-year deal with the Cleveland Browns after the Falcons did not have the cap space to offer the amount of money the Browns did.
Jaeden Graham was with the team last year and as a rookie had nine catches for 149 yards and a score. I expect him to have a bigger role during the 2020 season as the number two guy at tight end.
The third tight end spot is where things get interesting for the Atlanta Falcons. Khari Lee was brought in on a one-year deal after playing well in the XFL. Lee has bounced from team-to-team while playing in the NFL, with his last stint being in 2018 with the Buffalo Bills.
I do not see Lee making the roster this fall and I expect that third spot to go to UDFA Jared Pinkney. He had a solid junior season where he was ranked as one of the top tight ends in all of college football.
Pinkney’s senior season and scouting combine did not go so well and his stock fell mightily. I believe he can turn things around and impress the Atlanta Falcons coaching staff and grab a roster spot in 2020.