Falcons sign fullback Ricky Ortiz, waive cornerback Joseph Putu

The Atlanta Falcons now have a three man fullback competition. That’s exciting.

Ricky Ortiz spent time with the Ravens a year ago, catching a few passes and carrying the ball a handful of times in preseason. The 24-year-old has some versatility to his game and joins undrafted free agents Luke McNitt and Daniel Marx in a competition for the fullback job. Chances are the Falcons got an early look at McNitt and Marx and felt the need to turn up the heat on that particular competition, and while Ortiz certain’t isn’t proven at the NFL level, he does have dreams of being a guacamole titan.

There are very limited options for veterans on the fullback market at the moment, but by assembling three interesting young players for the competition, the Falcons have increased the chances they’ll have a quality, starting-caliber fullback emerge by the time the summer is over. Because they went and got him, and because he has a little bit more experience than McNitt and Marx, I’d consider Ortiz an early favorite. But again, it’s very early.

Putu, meanwhile, was a long shot to make the roster at a crowded position. I hope he lands on his feet elsewhere.