If you're a developmental quarterback, there are some fringe benefits to latching on with the local pro team after a solid college career. Your family gets to watch you play in the preseason, your friends have an easier time keeping up with your career, and most importantly, the local newspaper covers your every move like you're the starter.If D.J. Shockley had been drafted in the seventh round by the Chiefs or Lions, he'd be just another no name third/fourth string quarterback trying to hang on to a roster spot. But since the Falcons drafted him, just an hour's drive from where he led Georgia to an SEC Championship, we get frequent updates on his recovery from a blown knee, and this report on his first day back at practice.
It may be a lot of coverage for a player who's just hoping to make the team, but Shockley does seem to have a decent chance of sticking as a No. 3 quarterback. Matt Ryan obviously will be one of the quarterbacks, and Chris Redman has likely earned the starting job until Ryan is ready with his work last year, but that leaves a battle between Joey Harrington and Shockley for the final QB spot.
If the team was worrying about being the best prepared to win in 2008, Harrington likely gets the job--he gives the team a second veteran quarterback, even if he's shown that you're best hope with him is for a string of mediocre performances.
But on a team that's still building for the future, it might make more sense to carry another developmental quarterback as the emergency QB. If Shockley shows enough in the preseason, he could prove he's worthy of grooming as an eventual backup to Ryan.
"You see D.J.'s athleticism. He brings a different dynamic then the other three guys. He feels like he's getting more comfortable moving around on his leg, which is positive. It's good for him to get out and actually run the offense and get a feel for the verbage and to get a feel for the shifts and motions of the offense."He's still a longshot to make the team, but there is a chance, which is more than most seventh-round picks coming off of knee surgery can hope for.
