Falcons Drew Davis has distinguished himself throughout the first two weeks of training camp and looks to be the favorite to win the fifth receiver spot.
Atlanta's coaches have stressed that special teams will be the primary factor in who wins the competition.
“That position, when we start talking about the fifth wide receiver, special teams is going to carry more weight than receiver, because that fifth receiver is going to end up playing more snaps on special teams than he is on offense,” coach Mike Smith said Sunday.
After one preseason game, the two most likely candidates are Davis and WR Kevin Cone, both of whom spent the majority of last season on the Falcons' practice squad.
Cone has demonstrated the ability to catch passes in the middle of traffic but Davis made the coaches take notice with his special teams coverage in last Thursday’s preseason opener against the Ravens.
Davis had two tackles, one more than Cone, but in the third quarter, Davis rushed down the field on punt coverage and tackled the Ravens’ Bobby Rainey for a yard loss.
“Drew had a very good game," Smith said. “Not only playing his offensive snaps, he did what he was supposed to do on the offensive side of the ball, but also he had a tackle and an assist on special teams. He had a real big hit on punt cover.”
Though Davis seems to be the current leader, the battle is far from over. There are still three preseason games left and Smith wouldn’t rule out another receiver getting into the fray.
“We’re pretty sure who the first four are going to be, but that fifth receiver is open and there are some young guys who have done some nice things that can get in the mix over the next three games,” Smith said.
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