Flowery Branch —- The Falcons' extreme makeover in the secondary started March 1, the day they signed free-agent defensive backs Erik Coleman and Von Hutchins. A few weeks later, cornerback DeAngelo Hall, a two-time Pro Bowl pick, was traded.

That meant the defensive backfield had two new potential starters.

Coleman, who received a $3 million signing bonus on a four-year, $10-million deal, is the top candidate to replace Chris Crocker at free safety. He's a former starter with the New York Jets who fell out of favor when Eric Mangini took over as head coach in 2006.

"I don't want to sound bitter, but the facts are they came in and I got injured during the season and never really played again," Coleman said. "I never really received an explanation other than they were going to move on. ... All I could do was worry about getting better each day in practice and try to make myself a better player."

Hutchins, who also spent some time with Indianapolis, started 15 games for Houston last season. He signed a four-year, $9 million contract with Atlanta that includes $2.35 million in guarantee clauses.

"Von is a guy who can play multiple positions," Falcons coach Mike Smith said. "He can play corner, he can also play the nickel. That was attractive. I think you've got to have a corner type guy to be your nickel back."

During the Falcons' three-day minicamp, which ended Wednesday, both lined up with the first-team unit —- Coleman at free safety and Hutchins at Hall's left corner spot. Lawyer Milloy was at strong safety and Chris Houston at right cornerback.

"I'm just coming in and trying to be a leader in the secondary," Coleman said. "Trying to do the right thing and play hard like I've always done."

After being selected in the fifth round of the 2004 draft, Coleman immediately broke into the Jets' starting lineup. In his first game in the NFL, Coleman intercepted a Carson Palmer pass late in the fourth quarter to help secure a victory over Cincinnati.

Over his career, Coleman has 373 tackles, seven interceptions and two sacks. He's considered to have good range and has a reputation of being a solid hitter.

Coleman, a Washington State product, is familiar with Milloy, a Washington alum.

"It feels good to line up with another safety who communicates and plays hard," Coleman said. "It kind of makes you step your game up when you're stepping on the field with Lawyer."

The Falcons' nickel back spot is open.

"I love playing the slot," Hutchins said. "I love to mix it up with the big guys and stick my nose in there. I cherish the opportunity to be involved, whatever my role is."

All indications are that the secondary makeover will continue on draft day.

Arkansas State strong safety Tyrell Johnson, Miami free safety Kenny Phillips and Indiana cornerback Tracy Porter attended a practice during minicamp. General manager Thomas Dimitroff and Smith were part of a Falcon contingent that recently went to visit Penn State cornerback Justin King.

Troy State's Leodis Mc-Kelvin, the top cornerback in the draft, was also in town last weekend for a private workout.

"If I come out and play hard in [minicamps], I'm going to have an opportunity to play a lot of games and have a lead role in this secondary," Hutchins said. "Myself, Erik and Lawyer, we are vets now. It's our chance to lead the young guys.

"Chris Houston, [Daren] Stone, Antoine Harris and [Brent] Grimes, those are some good guys, and the rookies they are going to bring in. It's our opportunity to be some leaders."