The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Weems’ departure a new opportunity
FLOWERY BRANCH — When the Falcons elected not to re-sign Eric Weems, the decision created at least three openings on special teams.
Weems, a former Pro Bowl specialist, was a coverage player and the punt and kickoff returner. He signed with Tennessee during free agency.
Rookie Brian Hill, who was selected from Wyoming in the fifth round of the NFL draft, is going to get a shot at the kickoff returner spot.
“Andre Roberts, (Devin) Fuller, you still have ( Justin) Hardy, (Taylor) Gabriel and Nick Williams, (Tevin) Coleman and I like the Hill kid, the running back as a kickoff returner,” Falcons special-teams coordinator Keith Armstrong said. “I’m going to try him as a kickoff returner.”
Hill, who described himself as “violent” running from the line of scrimmage, is inexperienced as a returner. He returned just one kickoff for 27 yards at Wyoming.
“I like how he takes it serious,” Armstrong said. “He comes up to some meetings with me to just see what’s going on. He’s ahead of it. He’s mature. He kind of reminds me of an (former Falcons linebacker) Akeem Dent.
“When Akeem came in as a rookie. I never had a problem with him. It was always, ‘Hey, Keith, come here. I need your help.’ Always asking questions. That’s why he played right off the bat for me and he’s still in the league.”
Armstrong also is intrigued by Gabriel as a possible punt returner. He returned four kickoffs for 96 yards with the Browns in 2014.
“Obviously, you love Taylor Gabriel as a returner,” Armstrong said. “I just have got to see him in the game settings with all of those problems. Are you going to manage them or what are you going to do? You can’t be out there half-stepping.”
Roberts, 29, signed as a free agent to a one-year, $1.8 million deal. He averaged 22.2 yards on kickoff returns and 11.7 on punt returns with two touchdowns last season for the Lions.
“He’s done both, but is built like a punt returner,” Armstrong said. “He had two nice punt returns this past season for (touchdowns).”
It’s no secret that Armstrong was fond of Weems, who handled the ball well and ran with authority despite not having elite breakaway speed.
“You’ve got to find one that you trust,” Armstrong said. “You just hope that you get enough punts during the (exhibition) season that you get enough reps. Get everybody reps. During the (organized team activity) and the first three weeks of training camp, you’ve got to somehow simulate that without (getting) anybody hurt.”
Rookie linebacker Duke Riley was advertised as a potential special-teams player.
“He’s looks good,” Armstrong said. “But the entire group (of rookies) looks good, a mature group, guys who are competing, taking it serious. Willing to learn. Really doing a nice job of accepting that role as a rookie. ‘Look man, just teach me.’ Real good group.”
Wide receiver Deante Burton from Kansas State jumped out to Armstrong, along with former South Carolina linebacker Darius English, wide receiver Anthony Dable and former Miami linebacker Jermaine Grace.
“There is nobody right now that I’d say is not giving themselves a chance,” Armstrong said. “I don’t have that problem. It’s a really good group. I’m very happy for them.”
Iowa kicker Mike Meyer is a player to watch just because Matt Bryant turned 42 on Sunday.
“He’s being evaluated as a guy if we need him, is he the right guy?” Armstrong said. “He’s being interviewed. He’s definitely here for a purpose. We want to see if you’re the future here. Are you that next guy?”
In 2009, Armstrong had to replace kicker Jason Elam, who was 39 and at the end of a brilliant 17-year career.
“You don’t know (when a kicker become no longer viable),” Armstrong said. “Do you let go or you go on? And the next thing you know, he goes on and finishes and steals another year. You have to make a decision at some point.”