In addition to setting up the team’s 53-man roster, the Atlanta Falcons have been busy setting up their practice squad. As a result, they signed defensive end Nordly Capi, cornerback Devonte Johnson, nose tackle Joey Mbu, wide receiver/return specialist J.D. McKissic, safety Sharrod Neasman, quarterback Matt Simms, and tight end D.J. Tialavea as well as running back Gus Johnson and cornerback Deji Olatoye to the scout team.
Two guys that stand out on the aforementioned list are McKissic and Neasman.
Because of the log jam at wide out, McKissic found himself on the chopping block throughout training camp but he took advantage of the time he had on the field during the preseason and, among other plays, recorded a 101-yard kick return for a touchdown against the Washington Redskins.
Neasman is has the size of a safety but is another guy that is versatile and might play nickel corner if needed. He isn’t the type of player that possesses enough speed to hang with the perimeter deep threats in the league but he has certain skills that can’t be taught.
He plays the ball really well in the air, has good instincts and, while isn’t the hardest hitter around, he makes sure tackles and plays behind the line of scrimmage.
In a surprising move, the Falcons also claimed wide receiver Taylor Gabriel off waivers from the Cleveland Browns. In order to make this move, the team waived wide receiver, Nick Williams.
Gabriel is short at just 5’8” and weighs in at about 167 lbs. He may be small but he makes up for his short stature with blinding speed. The former Brown ran a 4.28 in his 40-yard dash against the wind during his pro day.
Gabriel will reunite with former Browns offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan by landing with the Falcons.
Shanahan was in Cleveland during Gabriel’s breakout rookie season in 2014 when he caught 36 catches for 621 yards (17.3 yards per catch average) and one touchdown.
With only one spot left on the Falcons practice squad, it will be interesting to see if they add a player that could provide an insurance policy at the center position.