A new chapter begins for the Atlanta Falcons tonight as they host the Denver Broncos in their first preseason game of the year. It's also the first game ever under new head coach Kevin Stefanski, general manager Ian Cunningham and president of football Matt Ryan. Atlanta did a good job of locking up its best players with contract extensions this offseason (Drake London, Kyle Pitts, Bijan Robinson, Matthew Bergeron) but there hasn't been much excitement around the new players they've brought in. At the top of the list are the team's top two draft picks, second-round cornerback Avieon Terrell and wide receiver Zachariah Branch. Both have been ranked among the NFL's top 100 rookies in a new list by Bleacher Report. Terrell came in at No. 43 in their rankings.
"The spot "in front" of Avieon Terrell on the Falcons depth chart is Mike Hughes, who is an experienced but below-average corner. Terrell is a competitor who showcases excellent zone coverage and plays bigger than his size. If he can snare the starting job opposite his brother, who wouldn't want to see that happen?!"
Terrell has shown some promise at training camp, including a pick off Tua Tagovailoa. However, he is dealing with an undisclosed injury that may keep him out of Friday night's preseason opener. We will get to see Branch, though, and the former Georgia wide receiver came in at No. 66 on B/R's list.
"Branch has the top-end speed and twitch to create explosive plays from anywhere on the field. His athletic traits and playmaking ability are a nice change of pace for the Falcons' offense, as a complementary piece alongside fellow receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts. New head coach/offensive play-caller Kevin Stefanski brings the type of passing game where he can manufacture touches for the rookie target, too."
Branch may be the team's most-promising new acquisition this offseason. There is plenty of room to move up on Atlanta's depth chart at wide receiver, so if he can slip past veteran Jahan Dotson he may end up fourth on the team in targets behind London, Pitts and Robinson. This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons have 2 rookies ranked among top 100 in the NFL