The Falcons drafted a punter last year. Taking one is a rarity for most teams, even where Sterling Hofrichter was selected.
He came in at No. 228 overall, a handful of picks before that draft's end. He joined the Falcons after a productive tenure at Syracuse, well known for solid hang time and an ability to handle kickoffs.
Draft status doesn't secure one's spot for long.
In fact, Hofrichter may have to earn his gig again this summer. The Falcons signed Dom Maggio this offseason, and the Wake Forest alum could put up a serious challenge to be the team's punter in 2021.
The Falcons could be looking for a change after finishing last in the NFL with 42.5 yards per punt. Hofrichter averaged 39.3 net yards per punt, a lackluster number that must be improved.
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Maggio was signed by Baltimore last year as an undrafted free agent but didn't make the cut. He'll get another shot at the NFL in Falcons training camp, with a fair shot to beat out the incumbent.
He has a boomer leg, with 46.8-yard average as a senior at Wake Forest. Keep an eye on both players during camp and the preseason for clues on who will win an off-the-radar position battle that will have a massive impact on field position.
There will be no such drama at kicker. Younghoe Koo has the gig locked up after a Pro Bowl campaign in 2020. He hit 95 percent of his field goal attempts and was a perfect 8-8 from 50-plus yards.
Kicker Younghoe Koo has earned his first Pro Bowl nod following for his play in the 2020 season. The Pro Bowl rosters are determined by a combination of fan, player and coach voting, and both Koo and Jarrett are well-deserving of the recognition.
Atlanta Falcons Kicker Younghoe Koo #7 poses for images during the 2020 Atlanta Falcons Creative Day shoot on Snday, August 2, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 high-fives long snapper Josh Harris #47 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 warms up before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons tight end Luke Stocker #88 celebrates with kicker Younghoe Koo #7 after a field goal against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 kicks a field goal against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 makes a field goal during the second quarter against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 makes a field goal during the second quarter against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 jumps to catch a ball at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on August 11, 2020 in Flowery Branch, GA. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 is shown during warm ups before the game against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 stretches before the game against the New Orleans Saints on November 29, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 warms up before the game against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 celebrates after kicking a field goal during the first half against the Las Vegas Raiders on November 29, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 travels to face the Los Angeles Chargers on December 11, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons Owner Arthur Blank gestures with Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 after the game against the Las Vegas Raiders on November 29, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 kicks the ball during the first quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders on November 29, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 looks on at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on August 13, 2020 in Flowery Branch, GA. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 kicks a 54-yard field goal during the second half against the Las Vegas Raiders on November 29, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 kicks a field goal against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 looks on during pregame before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 walks out to the field before the game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7celebrates after making a field goal during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 against the Carolina Panthers on October 11, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 during introductions before the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 11, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 kicks a 54-yard field goal against the Carolina Panthers on October 11. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 throws the football at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training camp on August 11, 2020 in Flowery Branch, Ga. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 runs out of the tunnel before the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 11, 2020. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
The Falcons employ one of the best returners to ever do it in Cordarrelle Patterson, and the receiver turned running back will be heavily involved on special teams. He has been excellent returning kickoffs lately, with back-to-back All-Pro honors for his efforts. Patterson has returned eight kickoffs for a touchdown, including one in each of the last four seasons.
Cornerback Avery Williams could be a real factor returning punts. The fifth-round rookie had six punt-return touchdowns over four years at Boise State, plus three more returning kicks.
Having weapons like that on special teams could be a huge asset for the Falcons, especially if the blocking is good.
Special teams coordinator Marquice Williams is darn good at what he does, and should get those units ready to excel by the time we hit the regular season, especially with quality weapons at his disposal.
2022 Atlanta Falcons: First Look Open Practice
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