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The Falcons may actually keep an undrafted rookie receiver this year

Let’s talk about the why.

NFL: Atlanta Falcons at Miami Dolphins Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

This may, at last, be the year that the Falcons keep a rookie wide receiver on the roster. I don’t base this on anything concrete, per se, aside from a growing appreciation for this team’s current crop and a gaze to the future.

The simple math here suggests that the Falcons need valuable special teamers. Andre Roberts is the fifth receiver and returner, more than likely, and Justin Hardy is the fourth receiver and also a strong special teamer, so it’s not a strict necessity that the team carry six. It’s worth noting that only Julio Jones, Mohamed Sanu, and Justin Hardy are certainly under contract for the 2018 season at the moment, which means hitting on a young, gifted receiver this year would mean a lot.

Reggie Davis, Marvin Hall, or (kinda sorta rookie) Anthony Dable? Davis has done well as a receiver, Dable is the biggest of the lot, and Hall has shown some real promise as a returner, so each brings something different to the table. I’m not sure, but I do think there’s a good chance the Falcons hold on to at least one of them on the roster, with another one or even two potentially sneaking on to the practice squad. You can never have enough receivers, and with the team potentially saying goodbye to Taylor Gabriel and Andre Roberts next year, the man who sticks around might find himself thrust into a small but important role. I hate to sound a false alarm here—we’ve all seen a lot of UDFA receivers excite and then fail to make an impact—but I do have to share a good feeling when I have one.

Who would be your pick?