Atlanta Falcons TE Levine Toilolo has to show Flowery Branch why he belongs ... immediately

Atlanta Falcons tight end Levine Toilolo didn't want it to be this way. Heck, when the Falcons drafted Levine, they didn't want it to be this way. Standing 6'8 and weighing nearly 270 pounds, the Stanford product is, from a size standpoint, the ideal tight end. But alas, sometimes size and talent don't always sync up. (Just ask Dave, who's actually 7'2 but somehow sucks at basketball - what a jerk!)

Back to Levine. Oh, Levine. Back in mid-May, I wrote an article in defense of our enormous second third fifth string tight end. Contrary to popular opinion, I wasn't under the influence of alcohol or drugs. I'd honestly hoped his blocking ability and untapped potential would carry him through training camp. That perspective has so far proven to be completely misguided. Put differently, I was wrong, and now I'm owning it.

As training camp comes to a close there's one noteworthy fact Levine can't escape: he's seemingly fallen out of favor with the coaching staff. And as David reported two days ago, he's had a lackluster camp and couldn't get a first team snap if he hogtied Jacob Tamme and Austin Hooper in the equipment closet. His recent injury also puts him in a precarious position.

Not many people thought Levine wouldn't make the team when training camp began last month. Now he's undoubtedly on the bubble and will need to turn it around quickly if he wants to make the 53 man roster. Basically he's got to do three things and do them well. First, continue to block like a boss. Second, impress the hell out of Keith Armstrong. Third, at least look competent in the passing attack. (This may prove to be the hardest requirement, given the lack of first team snaps.)

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