The Atlanta Falcons lost tight end Austin Hooper to the Cleveland Browns in free agency back in March, leaving a rather gaping hole at the position. However, the Falcons feel they have found a fine replacement: Hayden Hurst.
Atlanta acquired Hurst in a trade with the Baltimore Ravens shortly after Hooper departed, and quarterback Matt Ryan is already excited to throw to his new teammate.
Speaking about Hurst on Tuesday, Ryan called him one of the “fastest and most athletic tight ends I've ever played with,” according to William McFadden of the Falcons' team website.
Hurst, who played his collegiate football at the University of South Carolina, was originally selected by the Ravens in the first round (25th pick overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft.
The 26-year-old had a rather limited role during his rookie campaign, playing in 12 games and logging just 13 catches for 163 yards and a touchdown.
Then, this past season, Hurst battled with fellow tight ends Mark Andrews and Nick Boyle for targets, managing to haul in 30 receptions for 349 yards and a pair of scores.
Perhaps with a bigger opportunity in Atlanta, Hurst can flourish and demonstrate why Baltimore made him a first-round pick two years ago.
The Jacksonville, Florida native had a solid collegiate career, amassing 100 grabs for 1,281 yards while reaching the end zone three times in three seasons at South Carolina.
The Falcons were one of the most disappointing teams in the NFC in 2019, going just 7-9 and missing the playoffs for the second straight season. Hurst joins running back Todd Gurley as new additions to the Falcons offense this year.
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