:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/3867941/123283329.jpg)
Yesterday the Atlanta Falcons finalized their eight man practice squad for the 2012 season. It's a group featuring familiar faces, all of whom spent time with the Falcons in training camp. It's a list littered with promising talent, and a few under achievers who Atlanta will hope can develop over time.
- OT Bryce Harris
- CB Peyton Thompson
- DT Micanor Regis
- WR Drew Davis
- WR Marcus Jackson
- TE Chase Coffman
- LB Pat Schiller
- S Mark LeGree
Headlining the list is Chase Coffman, a former third round pick of the Cincinnati Bengals who never managed to live up to his immense potential. At 6'6", 250lbs he is the ideal size for an NFL tight end, but after being sidelined with a knee injury his rookie season he fell off the rails, and is still looking to regain his footing in the league. Waived by Cincinnati, Tampa Bay, and Atlanta (just a week ago), he now returns to the practice squad where he'll look to salvage his career.
The most impressive player the Falcons managed to retain was Drew Davis. The rookie out of Oregon has an excellent preseason where he separated himself, to the point where for much of training camp it was thought he'd win the fifth receiver spot for his athleticism, and special teams play. Now Mike Smith and company will have a year to work with Davis, turn him into a more polished receiver, and a year from now he'll be ready to join the rotation.
Rounding out the more interesting signings is safety Mark LeGree, a 2011 5th round pick of the Seattle Seahawks. It's rare to see a first year player play journeyman, but such is the case for the Appalachian State standout who joins the Falcons on his 7th stop in the NFL. He's bounced from practice squad, to practice squad, yet to find a place to stick. Like Drew Davis he's an incredibly raw player, who will need time and DLC to develop into an NFL player. Atlanta will be the next in line to see if they can turn him into a pro, and with a full season to work with him he could become a valuable ST player.
For more on the Falcons please stay here at SB Nation- Atlanta, or head over to The Falcoholic.