1. Michael Penix Jr.
The Atlanta Falcons rookie hasn’t looked like a player who is going to need two years to be ready to start. Camp reps against a defense changing schemes is far different from game action. However, there is no denying how impressive the rookie quarterback has been early.
Penix has shown off the ability to hit deep passes and shown improved ball placement. The biggest knock against Penix was the inability to make the touch throws. With a great deep ball the quarterback needed to learn how to make the layups consistently to transition to to an NFL starter.
Early camp reps have Penix well ahead of schedule with the quarterback slicing up Atlanta’s defensive starters. While this may have a lot to do with the changing scheme, lack of talent, and lack of contact it is still exciting.
Whether or not the team made the right decision Penix is going to get his shot to be a franchise quarterback in the next four seasons. How it plays out isn’t fully known but Penix already looks the part of an NFL starter. Though it is important to note here that similar sentiments were expressed about Marcus Mariota and Desmond Ridder. However, neither were capable of the throws Penix is making with regularity.
2. Kirk Cousins
With every great play that Penix makes the pressure turns up just a bit on Atlanta’s starting quarterback. Cousins is going to have to consistently play at a high level if he wants to avoid a quarterback debate. Despite suffering a torn Achilles in week eight of last season Cousins has looked extremely sharp.
For every great camp throw from Penix, Cousins has more than matched it. It isn’t only the veteran’s performance on the field that has been impressive. Cousins handles the media well already gassing up his defensive leaders. After being asked about Bates, Cousins offered extensive praise and went on to say his kids would be sporting Jessie Bates and Grady Jarrett jerseys.
This is the type of media handling you want to see from your franchise leader. Add in the great camp throws and encouraging injury news and Atlanta has a reason to be excited about both quarterbacks. While the focus for Cousins is on getting ready for the Pittsburgh Steelers the next few weeks will be telling.
They will offer a glimpse at how healthy the quarterback is and what fans can expect in the weeks to come. Thus far it has all been better than expected and a breath of fresh air after the last two seasons of ineptitude at the position.
3. Zach Harrison
There hasn’t been a lot in camp to be excited about defensively. Atlanta is in the middle of changing schemes and attempting to figure out how the secondary rotation will work. The aforementioned quarterbacks have benefitted greatly from this and been equally impressive.
One defender whose stock is obviously on the uptick is Zach Harrison. The coaching staff has gone out of their way to talk about the young pass rusher. Of note, it was mentioned that Harrision had extreme value due to his ability to play both inside and out.
From the discussions and offseason handling of the position the expectations for Harrison are clear. While Atlanta’s judgment at the position is often suspect Harrison’s talent is obvious. The team is searching to replace Calais Campbell and it appears that Harrison is their first attempt at an answer.
The progression has been there so far, and the new coaching staff is impressed by it. For a staff that is giving the nod to veterans early in camp, it is of note that they have put so much weight behind Harrison. Hopefully, this trust proves correct for a pass rush desperate for any reliable production.
4. Darnell Mooney
If early camp production is any indication the Chicago Bears greatly let down their former receiver. This was already the expectation based on the quarterback play for the franchise. Mooney seemed to be underutilized in an offense that often devolved into Justin Fields playing backyard quarterback.
His speed and route-running ability are evident, however, the numbers simply weren’t there. Atlanta was undeterred and paid Mooney a healthy contract to be the second option behind Drake London. Mooney has looked extremely sharp in camp and shown good chemistry with Atlanta’s quarterback.
It is a great sign for a player who is vital to the team’s success. For this offense to take the next step someone must take the pressure off Kyle Pitts and Drake London in the passing attack. With Mooney’s speed, he is the perfect option for the duo.
Considering Kirk Cousins’ tendencies the match made sense on paper and has translated into camp production. While we are a long way from the regular season it is exciting to see the chemistry already being built. With Atlanta’s defensive concerns the offense must be a top-ten unit and that is only possible if Mooney is the player who has shown up in camp.
5. Ray-Ray McCloud
Among the surprises at the Atlanta Falcons camp was a heavy nod to veteran starters. This included putting Mike Hughes and Richie Grant into the starting lineup. Raheem Morris and his staff are making it clear if you aren’t a star or showing incredible growth they will favor the veterans. This has been the case on offense as well with a surprising starting lineup.
Since the Falcons traded Desmond Ridder to the Cardinals for Rondale Moore the working assumption was this would be Atlanta’s third receiver. Moore fit well and seemed to be a great slot option in Zac Robinson’s offense.
While this still could prove to be the case long term for now it is Ray-Ray McCloud earning starting reps. The veteran receiver is currently starting in the slot with Darnell Mooney and Drake London on the outside.
It is an interesting decision considering a lot of the veteran’s value has been on special teams. While there is a long way to go it is noteworthy for the veteran, he has a chance to win a starting role in Robinson’s offense. A position to keep a close eye on as camp continues.
