Falcons' KhaDarel Hodge: 'Unique Skill Player?' Coach Weighs In

Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith weighs in on what makes wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge a "unique skill player," is a larger role in store for the veteran this season?

The Atlanta Falcons training camp is in full swing, and head coach Arthur Smith has been complimentary of versatile veteran receiver KhaDarel Hodge calling him one of the team’s “unique skill players.”

“He’s another guy I think has earned more reps. In hindsight, Hodge is a guy; I’m glad he’s back. He probably should’ve done more for us last year. So there’s a lot of expectations on him,” Smith said. 

Last season Hodge had 202 receiving yards in his first year with the Falcons, the most of the 28-year-old’s career to date, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t capable of doing more in different situations. 

“He’s a hell of a gunner, but he’s also a good receiver, and he made some big plays. As you’re going through it logistically, he’s a guy that I think has been undervalued, but again he’s got to go back out and earn it.”

In 2022, Hodge also had nine special team tackles in 17 games. His willingness to play on special teams helped make him a priority player to resign despite not being the most statistically dominant player on paper. 

As this season continues to get underway, Hodge could be looking at an increased role on offense now that he’s had an entire year to acclimate with the roster. Already he’s shown some grit while working in training camp. 

He’s fighting through the route like he wants a bigger role this season https://t.co/GJ9njO9Wjc

— Isaiah De Anda Delgado (@IsaiahDDelgado) July 31, 2023

Whether or not Smith gives Hodge a more significant role this season will be an interesting situation to watch unfold. However, if he impresses at training camp and continues to beat corners, he’ll be poised to set a career-high for production in Atlanta for the second consecutive season.

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