Falcons' Smith set to host first rookie minicamp in his tenure

By D. Orlando Ledbetter

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

FLOWERY BRANCH -- After putting the team through five minicamp practices earlier this month, Falcons coach Mike Smith will open his first rookie minicamp Monday.

All of the 2010 draftees and undrafted college free agents will be on hand for practices Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

"We want to get a good look at these first-year players," Smith said. "We don't have any late graduations, which is good."

Smith didn't want to make too much of a deal of his first rookie camp during his three-year tenure.

"It will be more like coaching sessions," Smith said. "They are able to come back, practice and get involved in our offseason programs."

One of the expected benefits is that the rookies will get extra sessions before the Falcons start their organized team activities May 25.

"This year we are going to spend some time with the players in the classroom and really try to get them up to speed," Smith said.

The rookies performed well during the team's minicamp.

First-round draft pick Sean Weatherspoon lined up with the second-team defense at both outside linebacker positions -- weakside and strongside.

Corey Peters and Mike Johnson, both third-round picks, lined up with the second-team units, Peters at nose tackle and Johnson at left guard.

Joe Hawley, the team's fourth-round pick, was the third-team center.

Cornerback Dominique Franks worked with the second- and third-team units and also caught punts and kickoffs.

Wide receiver Kerry Meier, a fifth-round pick, suffered a minor hamstring injury while running a reverse in minicamp and was held out of the last practice. He's expected to be available for the rookie sessions.

Safety Shann Schillinger, the team's sixth-round pick, lined up with the second and third units.

Also, quarterback Eric Ward and cornerback Daylan Walker will be on hand. They were tryout players who signed contracts after mandatory minicamp.

"I think they are excited to come out here and compete," Smith said. "That's the one thing that's most important. Especially for our football team and where we are at right now. Competition is going to bring out the best in everybody."

Smith is hopeful that the additional work will allow the rookies to come along faster in training camp. The Falcons likely will boast one of the youngest rosters in the NFL next season.

"No doubt about that, the rookies that we have and the two draft classes that we've put together, I think it's a solid group," Smith said. "Our roster is getting deeper and deeper. The deeper your roster gets, the more competition that you're going to have. That's a great thing not only for the guys on our team, but for the coaching staff."