Zeke

Motta

One of the last 11 picks of the draft, Motta is a well-built 6-foot-2, 213 pounds, but lumbered to a 4.83 in the 40-yard dash. Stiff hipped, he’s a pure run stopper. Motta will have to pay his dues on special teams before appearing on defense if he makes the 53-man roster.

More of a “box” safety and special teams prospect, Motta’s forty times will likely push him deep into the late rounds. NFL Network’s Mike Mayock initially pegged Motta as a top-five safety in the 2013 draft class. He’s more likely to be about the 10th or 12th safety drafted. Motta struggles in coverage.

Motta (6-2, 213) played linebacker early in his career before converting to the secondary and making 29 starts, primarily as an “in the box” safety. He managed just two career tackles for loss and two interceptions, displaying poor ball skills. A Reed Doughty-type, Motta runs a 4.83 forty and has stiff hips. He’ll probably max out as a special teamer and third safety for the Falcons.

Motta suffered a cervical fracture and underwent surgery Sunday. His recovery time is expected to be 4-6 weeks. The No. 244 overall pick in April’s draft played 158 snaps on defense, making one start. Motta also played special teams and racked up 16 tackles. He’ll be back to compete for a roster spot next summer.

The Falcons will be starting three rookies in the defensive backfield -- Motta, CB Robert Alford, and CB Desmond Trufant. Motta is a pure run-stopping safety at 6-foot-2, 213 pounds. He clocked in at 4.83 seconds in the 40-yard dash last February. Kirk Cousins has a dream matchup for his first start of 2013.

DeCoud is on track to play in Monday night’s game at San Francisco. His return will at least give the Falcons secondary a veteran presence as they started three rookies in Week 15.

Motta is recovering from December surgery to repair a cervical fracture in his neck. The original timetable for return was 4-6 weeks, so the fact that Motta has yet to be cleared raises some red flags, though the Falcons’ could just be using caution. Motta will be asked to contribute on special teams if healthy.

Motta suffered a cervical fracture in his neck on December 8. The second-year safety doesn’t play much on defense, but is a stalwart on the Falcons’ kick coverage units. His availability for training camp is obviously in question.

Motta hurt his neck in a December spot start and underwent surgery to repair a cervical fracture. His initial timetable was 4-6 weeks, but it’s now been six months with no return date in sight. Coach Mike Smith said they hope to have Motta back for training camp. The second-year safety is a special teams cog.

A 2013 seventh-rounder, Motta missed all of 2014 as he recovered from a cervical fracture (neck) suffered in December 2013. A special teamer, it would appear Motta’s NFL future is in doubt.