5 long shots could triumph

With camp nearing, low-profile players have eyes on jobs.

FLOWERY BRANCH — The countdown to training camp 2016 has started.

The Falcons report to training camp July 27.

Last season, safety Robenson Therezie and running back Terron Ward made the opening day 53-man roster as undrafted rookies. Defensive tackle Joey Mbu, another undrafted prospect made the practice squad and was promoted to the roster Dec. 11.

Also, wide receiver Nick Williams and linebacker Allen Bradford made the roster as veteran long shots.

Here are five long shots who could make the 53-man roster in 2016:

J.D. McKissic, wide receiver

An undrafted rookie from Arkansas State made an impression on assistant head coach/wide receivers coach Raheem Morris over the offseason. “He has gotten here and worked as hard as he can,” Morris said. “He has had his ups and his downs like you expect from most rookies. But he has a nice natural learning curve going for himself and he has been able to move to multiple positions.” McKissic had 289 catches and 11 touchdowns at receiver.

C.J. Goodwin, cornerback

The Falcons moved the former practice-squad player from wide receiver to cornerback over the offseason. Goodwin, who’s 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds, was used in practice at cornerback last season and went against star wide receiver Julio Jones. “Guarding Julio Jones is not the easiest job on the planet,” Falcons coach Dan Quinn said. “We said, ‘We might have something here.’”

LaRoy Reynolds, linebacker

Reynolds, who sent to enter his fifth year in the league, was signed to a oneyear $675,000 deal. He impressed defensive coordinator Richard Smith with his speed and mobility. “I’ve been really pleased with his performance,” Smith said. “He’s going to push hard. Not only is he a really good special-teams player, but he’s been making plays on the ball. He’s really impressed me.”

Ivan McLennan, linebacker

The Falcons believe that McLennan has some passrush ability. The coaches are looking forward to evaluation him in the exhibition games. The roster might be too crowded and he could be a practice-squad candidate. He played in 25 games for Washington State over the past two seasons. He made 63 total tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks.

Brian Poole, safety

He played in 49 career games for Florida and made 120 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and six interceptions.

HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM The Falcons think linebacker Ivan McLennan may have pass-rush skills, but if the roster is too crowded, he could end up on the practice squad.