FLOWERY BRANCH – Before diving into the final draft stretch run, Falcons coach Dan Quinn shared some thoughts with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution about six players he's counting on to elevate their games in 2016.
He wants them to slide from being role players to becoming major contributors. The group includes defensive end/linebacker Vic Beasley , cornerback Jalen Collins , running back Tevin Coleman , defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, wide receiver Justin Hardy and free safety Robenson Therezie.
Today, we'll look at Therezie, who made the team as an undrafted rookie out of Auburn last season. Since we discussed Collins, he's flunked a performance enhancement test and will be suspended for the first four games of the season. He had the inside path to the starting right cornerback spot.
Therezie was a valuable reserve last season as he backed up Ricardo Allen at free safety. He’ll compete for the starting spot and more playing time in the specialty defenses.
He played 289 defensive snaps (27.5 percent) as a rookie and 140 snaps on special teams (34 percent).
Therezie had 29 tackles, one interception and two passes defense. He started two games and played in 13.
The Falcons want to see him development his awareness in the middle of the field.
“The speed is there, but can he get all of the details that go down to playing that position,” Quinn said. “At the safety spot, the communication is a big. If he’s going to really compete for the free safety spot, his communications had better be on point, making the calls for the other guys you are basically the quarterback for the secondary as the free safety.”
LATEST ON THE FALCONS
Falcons set offseason training schedule
Falcons 61 draft picks under GM Thomas Dimitroff
FREE AGENCY STORIES
Falcons' Dan Quinn loyal to Shanahan, staff, amid heat
Linebacker Jerrell Freeman won't be joining Falcons
Weatherspoon hopes to revive career, where it started
Falcons agree to five-year deal with center Alex Mack
Mohamed Sanu: 'I'm not trying to fill anybody's shoes'
Alabama defensive tackles (A'Shawn and Jarran) are NFL-ready
Falcons defensive line coach Bryan Cox gets into shoving match at NFL combine
Floyd, Jenkins are stellar NFL prospects
Firm helps NFL prospects prepare for newfound wealth -- 7 financial pitfalls they'll face
Ex-Georgia linebacker Jordan Jenkins has met with the Falcons
Nkemdiche has uphill battle to improve NFL draft status
Nkemdiche would love to play for the Falcons
14 questions with Georgia Tech standout Adam Gotsis
Falcons checking out interior linemen at the combine
18 questions with Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff
Quinn still evaluating the roster -- Nothing new on Roddy White
5 questions with Duke punter Will Monday (Flowery Branch High)
26 State prospects hope to make impact at NFL combine
Synthetic turf chosen for Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Dimitroff, Quinn have activated the '100-day' plan
Stay or go: Pick Falcons' offense
Falcons owner Arthur Blank vows to fight cancer, move on Super Bowl bid
Falcons released safety William Moore, linebacker Justin Durant