Atlanta Falcons tight end Austin Hooper is coming off a bit of a breakout year. It seems expectations are now as high as ever going into the 2019 NFL season.
Hooper has emerged into one of the most promising, young tight ends in the NFL. According to D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, tight ends coach Mike Mularkey feels he can take that next step into elite status:
“I think he can be that way if he continues on the path that he’s taken since his rookie year,” Mularkey said.
Head coach Dan Quinn doubled down on that notion.
“Hooper, the improvement just keeps getting better,” Quinn said. “Now, he’s ready to go to another level, and I’m looking forward to seeing him make that growth. The addition of having Mike here, he’s done everything that Mike has asked in terms of getting him ready. That connection has been good.”
It is encouraging to see that the coaching staff is not letting Hooper rest on his merits just yet. Atlanta initially selected him in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft and it is safe to say that he has become quite a steal. The Falcons plan to do what they can to ensure that he continues to grow into his potential.
Hooper finished the 2018 campaign with 71 receptions for 660 yards and four touchdowns en route to being named as a replacement for Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz in the Pro Bowl. The onus is now on the 24-year-old to establish himself as a surefire selection moving forward.
The former Stanford product has already prived the Falcons with plenty of bang for their buck thus far. He could very well be the next in line for a lucrative payday once the front office finishes negotiations with wide receiver Julio Jones and linebacker Deion Jones.
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