FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. - Feleipe Franks took full advantage of his 6-foot-6 frame to reach high for a touchdown pass from rookie Desmond Ridder on Thursday.
It was anything but just another forgettable Atlanta Falcons offseason workout for Franks.
While Ridder and league veteran Marcus Mariota are preparing to compete for the starting job at quarterback, Franks is exploring a new hybrid role. He is still listed as a quarterback, but he is spending most of his practice time at tight end.
For Franks, catching a touchdown pass instead of throwing one was a thrill - even in an otherwise forgettable organized team activities drill.
"It was fun, man," Franks said. "It was definitely super different."
On paper, the 234-pounder doesn't look much different than starting tight end Kyle Pitts (6-6, 245), his former Florida Gators teammate. On the field, Franks looks slim when grouped with the tight ends.
Coach Arthur Smith said Thursday he places Franks in a "hybrid category." The second-year player will continue to take snaps at quarterback while learning the new position.
As the Falcons prepare for next week's mandatory three-day minicamp, it seems clear this experiment will continue past the offseason.
"It doesn't mean that doesn't change, but right now he's working more at tight end than at quarterback," offensive coordinator Dave Ragone said Thursday.
This is not the first time the Falcons have sought to take advantage of Franks' athletic skills. As a rookie, he ran routes and played on special teams. As the third-string quarterback behind Matt Ryan and Josh Rosen, Franks' only pass was intercepted in a loss to the New England Patriots.
Franks hoped to increase his value after the Falcons turned over their depth chart at quarterback, drafting Ridder in the third round and signing Mariota after trading longtime starter Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts, so he volunteered to play tight end. While Mariota and Ridder wore the red jerseys reserved for quarterbacks on Thursday, Franks' No. 15 jersey was white, like other players on offense.
"I see this jersey as a materialistic thing," Franks said with a laugh.
"Just really stating the obvious, I'm trying to add more value to myself. At the same time it's been really fun for me. It helps me in all aspects at any position, whether I'm playing tight end or quarterback. I learn more about the run game, more about blocking schemes and things like that. It's really helpful in the quarterback room and the tight end room."
Franks played three years at Florida before transferring to Arkansas, where he set a single-season record by completing 68.5% of his passes in 2020. He was signed by Atlanta as an undrafted free agent last year.
The Falcons showed their willingness to have players explore dual roles last season, when Cordarrelle Patterson flourished as a running back and wide receiver. No one has suggested there is a path for Franks to make a similar impact this season.
Pitts, Anthony Firkser, Parker Hesse and rookie John FitzPatrick head Atlanta's depth chart at tight end.
"All the tight ends in the room have been super helpful to me, welcoming me in and helping me, whether it be in my routes or blocking," Franks said. "There's tons of stuff I need to learn. ... It's been fun, really fun."
Tight ends coach Justin Peelle said Franks adds intriguing skills to the position.
"He's got the size and speed and athletic ability to do it," Peelle said. "He's not afraid to be physical with it. And he can catch the ball. The kid is fun to be around. He's just a really good football player."