Following the Falcons' mandatory minicamp last weekend, coaches and team officials said they were pleased with the performance of the 11 players selected in the April NFL draft. It could be tough for all to make the final 53-man roster. Some could end up on the eight-man practice squad or looking for work in the fall. Based on interviews with coaches, including coach Mike Smith, plus general manager Thomas Dimitroff and other personnel officials, Falcons beat writer Steve Wyche explains what each draft pick must do to make the roster and/or earn playing time.

Curtis Compton/AJC (ENLARGE)

Falcons' first pick Matt Ryan will have some studying to do before he's handed will run to the Falcons' offense.

Curtis Compton/AJC (ENLARGE)

Former Georgia running back Thomas Brown could emerge as the kickoff returner if he doesn't turn the ball over in preseason.

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QB Matt Ryan

Ryan will be the starter at some point. Until then, he has to master the playbook and stay in the film room to learn schemes and tendencies of opponents. Most important, he needs to earn the trust of his teammates, especially once he signs his $48 million-or-so contract.

LT Sam Baker

Like Ryan, Baker will be the starter at some point, but it won't be awarded. He not only has to learn his plays, but he has to display the nastiness line coach Paul Boudreau demands. Baker also had better have a short memory because he will take his lumps playing such a demanding position.

LB Curtis Lofton

Has a knack for the game, which is why he can overcome lack of top-end speed to get to the ball. Once he figures out the scheme, he'll be in the starting lineup so he can establish uniformity with potentially the team's strongest unit. He could be the first rookie in the starting lineup.

CB Chevis Jackson

The potential starter at left cornerback has to get used to NFL speed and rules forbidding contact beyond 5 yards. His fundamentals had coaches feeling that he won't get exposed with lack of burner speed. He is a prototype Cover 2 corner who won't be left in man coverage deep downfield often.

WR Harry Douglas

He created the biggest buzz at minicamp. There seems to be little concern that he would have rookie problems because he would not be asked to make an abundance of plays from the slot as the No. 3 wide receiver. He must not get overwhelmed with the playbook and he must hang on to the ball.

S Thomas DeCoud

Working at both safety spots behind veterans Erik Coleman and Lawyer Milloy, DeCoud needs to watch and learn from both. A big hitter, he also needs to learn offensive tendencies so he doesn't get caught biting on play fakes.

OLB Robert James

There actually is little depth on the strongside, but he must remember he is not Michael Boley, an athletic freak who can do a variety of things. James must stick to his strengths, be physical and use his speed and leverage to his advantage.

DE Kroy Biermann

Too small to be an every-down lineman, Biermann needs to learn NFL pass-rushing techniques from John Abraham while retaining the Patrick Kerney-like relentlessness that makes him effective.

RB Thomas Brown

The shifty homegrown product could emerge as the kickoff returner if he doesn't turn the ball over in preseason. He's a different type of back than No. 3 tailback Jason Snelling. If he can prove the offense would be more effective with him as a scatback than Snelling as a bruiser, Brown could have a role.

CB Wilrey Fontenot

He is at the most competitive spot on the team, and he is really going to have to stand out to stick. Showing great ball skills and being steady against the run will work in his favor. He'll need to excel on special teams like David Irons, with whom he will be competing.

TE Keith Zinger

There is not much depth at tight end, so he could see action if there is an injury. He wasn't drafted to catch balls. If he can be a third tackle in the running game and show enough athleticism to help in maximum pass protection, Zinger could be a factor.