Report: Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan and TE Austin Hooper working out together ahead of training camp

Atlanta Falcons tight end Austin Hooper isn’t a rookie anymore. By all accounts, he’s the presumptive “TE of the future” at Flowery Branch. He played solidly in 2016, but he’s expected to take on a more prominent, consistent role this season. I’m not sure if Hooper will ever be an All Pro, but if his effort this offseason is any indication, he’s shooting for the stars.

ESPN’s Vaughn McClure just did a piece about Hooper’s offseason - from film review to private workouts with quarterback Matt Ryan, McClure covers it all. You should go read his article now, if you haven’t already. Here’s an interesting tidbit:

Although Hooper's play stood out this offseason, he was far from content. So the Northern California native recently joined Ryan for three days of workouts in Southern California ... "It felt really good, kind of getting to know my teammate a little better," Hooper said. "Just really was able to build some chemistry with him, on and off the field. It was getting a deeper understanding of where he wants me to be, and I feel that's what it's all about."

Hooper isn’t just focused on building rapport with Ryan. He’s also a fantastic student of the game, studying the game tape of some fantastic tight ends: Travis Kelce, Zach Ertz, and Jacob Tamme.

This is all good news, especially leading up to training camp. Nothing to dislike here. Your thoughts?