(Join Falcons beat writer Steve Wyche for a live two-hour blog Friday as the team prepares to open its 2008 training camp. Wyche will be online from noon-2 p.m. to answer your questions about this year's team.)

The Falcons will open training camp Saturday at Flowery Branch. Here are five things to watch as first-year coach Mike Smith spends the next six weeks preparing to open the season on Sept. 7 against Detroit at the Georgia Dome:

1. Departed Pro Bowler DeAngelo Hall might not be the only cornerback to be replaced.

Smith said both cornerback spots are up for grabs, meaning second-year cornerback Chris Houston need not rest on a decent rookie season. Brent Grimes, Von Hutchins, Houston, David Irons and rookies Chevis Jackson and Wilrey Fontenot will battle at both spots.

"That position is one where there is going to be an opportunity for a number of guys to win that starting job," Smith.

2. Even if veteran wide receiver Joe Horn reports, will he be able to earn a job? Roddy White and Laurent Robinson have the top two spots and rookie Harry Douglas and vet Michael Jenkins seemingly will be competing for the third and fourth spots. The No. 5 wideout has to be a special teams ace to get on the field. Adam Jennings, Brian Finneran and Eric Weems could be better suited for such a role than the 36-year-old Horn, who still hopes to be a rotational player.

3. The left side of the offensive line — the quarterback's blind side — could be comprised of rookie tackle Sam Baker and second-year guard Justin Blalock. They will have to grow up quick. Defensive end John Abraham got the go-ahead in offseason workouts to give Baker the business to help him improve. Abe certainly will dial it up now that everyone's in pads, and Baker could end up better for it.

4. Five-time Pro Bowler Keith Brooking moves back to his natural spot of weakside linebacker — the outside linebacker opposite the tight end — after three seasons of playing in the middle. Brooking can still run and now that he's playing in space, he could provide more of an impact.

5. The Falcons hope it won't be the case, but there is a chance they could be returning a lot of kickoffs this season. Running backs Jerious Norwood and Thomas Brown, as well as wideouts Jennings and Douglas will compete for the return job, which could be as crucial a position as any.

Smith said performances in exhibition games and scrimmages will determine the winner.