2012 Atlanta Falcons Training Camp Roster Overview: Wide Receivers

Matt Ryan is definitely the largest benefactor of this next group—the wide receivers. The Falcons are looking for their receivers to be great at the standard receiver talents like running routes and catching, but this year the ones who will stand out will have a few main key things.

Versatility is the biggest thing that the Falcons will look for because you only get so many roster and practice squad spots. Blocking is the other thing that will set players apart because of the new screen implementations. 

Roddy White

2011 Role: Starting wide receiver

2012 Role: Starting wide receiver

Roddy White is one of only seven players in NFL history to have five or more consecutive seasons of 80 catches, 1100 yards and six touchdowns or more. Roddy White is also the best wide receiver in Atlanta Falcons history. He isn't at any risk of losing his starting job at this point in his career.

Julio Jones

2011 Role: Starting wide receiver

2012 Role: Starting wide receiver

Julio Jones is one of the most explosive players in the NFL, and he could be on the verge of a breakout sophomore season. He had injuries and other issues in his rookie season, but still had more than 900 yards and eight touchdowns. 

Harry Douglas

2011 Role: Slot wide receiver

2012 Role: Slot wide receiver

As much as things change year to year, some will stay the same. Harry Douglas is an ideal slot receiver and had a great year with 40 catches for 500 yards as the fourth option in the offense.

Kerry Meier

2011 Role: Special teams ace and reserve wide receiver

2012 Role: Competing with seven others for a spot as a special teams ace and reserve wide receiver

Kerry Meier has been with the Falcons for two years now but hasn't made an impact on the offense, just on opposing teams long snappers. Meier needs to prove something as a wide receiver this year to even earn a roster spot.

Cody Pearcy

2011 Role: Starting wide receiver for Huntingdon College

2012 Role: Competing with seven others for a spot as a special teams ace and reserve wide receiver

Cody Pearcy had a ridiculous pro day workout and is a true testament to the power of hard work and determination in the process. He could very well be a story much like Victor Cruz, Miles Austin or even the Falcon's own Brent Grimes as a guy who rose from an undrafted small school free agent to a pro bowl-caliber player.

James Rodgers

2011 Role: Starting wide receiver for Oregon State

2012 Role: Competing with seven others for a spot as a special teams ace and reserve wide receiver

James Rodgers is one of those do-it-all types. He can play running back, wide receiver and return both punts and kicks. Rodgers will earn his spot on the roster with his versatility and should be able to compete as an all-around threat.

Kenny Stafford

2011 Role: Reserve wide receiver for Toledo

2012 Role: Competing with seven others for a spot as a special teams ace and reserve wide receiver

Kenny Stafford is Cris Carter's nephew and is a tall and fast talent, but he doesn't have the experience at wide receiver. Stafford may not make the roster this year, but he should be able to crack someone's practice squad.

Marcus Jackson

2011 Role: Starting wide receiver for Lamar

2012 Role: Competing with seven others for a spot as a special teams ace and reserve wide receiver

Marcus Jackson is a relative unknown to Falcons fans, but he was very good at a small school level of competition. He isn't the lightning bolt that Cody Pearcy is, but he could very well make the roster on his receiving ability alone.

Michael Calvin

2011 Role: Reserve wide receiver at California

2012 Role: Competing with seven others for a spot as a special teams ace and reserve wide receiver

Calvin has all the physical tools to be a great wide receiver in the NFL; however, he hasn't been able to start for the Golden Bears and his hands are a bit suspect. The Falcons are never one to turn away a project though and could have a gem in Calvin.

Drew Davis

2011 Role: Falcons practice squad member

2012 Role: Competing with seven others for a spot as a special teams ace and reserve wide receiver

Davis spent the past year on the practice squad and has been working to make the roster. He was passed over in favor of Kevin Cone last year, and Davis will end up likely on the practice squad again in the 2012 season for an NFL team.

Kevin Cone

2011 Role: Practice squad and on 53 man roster at end of season

2012 Role: Competing with seven others for a spot as a special teams ace and reserve wide receiver

Kevin Cone played in an option offense in college, but has taken to the Falcons' offense really well. The new coordinator should help him get even more touches because he will have more four- and five-wide sets where Cone could really come in and thrive.