FLOWERY BRANCH – The Falcons have concluded their first offseason under head coach Dan Quinn and have a break until they report for training camp on July 30.
The first practice is set for July 31.
Quinn asked the players to “protect the team” during the break and to “make grown men
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
decisions” in order to stay out of trouble.
In the post-Michael Vick era, the Falcons have a low tolerance policy for off the field issues. Falcons owner Arthur Blank became involved and they quickly released linebacker Prince Shembo on May 29 after he was charged with killing his former girlfriend’s dog.
When the Falcons open training camp there will be several position battles, questions about the new attack and how fast they can get some of the rookies ready to contribute.
PHOTOS: A look at the Falcons' minicamp through Curtis Compton's lens
Here are 10 things we learned over the three-day minicamp:
1. Balanced offense. Quarterback Matt Ryan, wide receivers Roddy White and Julio Jones, in separate interviews, talked about how the Falcons planned to run the ball more often. The Falcons installed the outside-perimeter rushing attack this offseason under new coordinator Kyle Shanahan.
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
2. Issues at tackle.
Left tackle Jake Matthews is coming back from foot surgery. He appeared to be moving well in individual drills during minicamp.
The Falcons lost two tackles over a span of three days with the release of Sam Baker and the broken foot suffered by Lamar Holmes, who’s out indefinitely. This the third foot injury and his career has to be considered in jeopardy.
Tyler Polumbus finished out camp at left tackle. The Falcons trying to see if he can play swing tackle and bounce from left to right when needed.
Ryan Schraeder, who’s started 14 of 26 games over the past two seasons, appears to be the No. 1 right tackle heading into training camp.
“He’s had a terrific offseason,” Quinn said. “We’re real excited about Schraeder.”
The former undrafted player from Valdosta State played 655 snaps last season and was the 22nd rated tackle in the league by profootballfocus.com. He gave up three sacks, two hits and 13 quarterback hurries. The Falcons are banking on his run blocking improving in the new scheme.
3. Issues at center. Last season's opening day starter, Joe Hawley returned to practice, but clearly is not close to 100 percent. He'll have to keep rehabbing over the break as he battles back from knee surgery.
James Stone, who started nine games last season, worked with the first-team during OTAs and both minicamps. He played 681 snaps and was the 34th rated center in the league by profootballfocus.com.
Chris Chester, a former Washington Redskins, was signed on May 30 and could get a look at center. He played mostly right guard since being picked up.
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
4. Issues at guard.
Looks like the Falcons are ready to roll with Mike Person at left guard. He held the top spot over the offseason.
Jon Asamoah was the No. 1 right guard when healthy, but he suffered a right ankle injury and missed the second minicamp.
Quinn would not address whether the Falcons are one of the six teams interested in signing free agent guard Evan Mathis, a two-time Pro Bowler
The Birmingham native who played at Alabama is 33, but would be a clear upgrade. He was the No. 2 rated guard in the league behind Baltimore’s Marshal Yanda last season by profootballfocus.com.
5. Ricardo Allen at free safety. Ricardo Allen, who was drafted as a cornerback, received a long look at free safety and didn't appear uncomfortable. The Falcons may be onto something with this move.
Allen was a fierce and productive tackler at Purdue. The challenge will be learning the new angles and paths to the ball carrier.
6. Freeman clearly ahead at running back. Second-year running back Devonta Freeman is the leader in the clubhouse to earn the No. 1 running back spot over rookie Tevin Coleman. His head is probably spinning with all of the new information to go along with the mild groin strain that kept him out of the final day of minicamp.
“I knew Devonta had terrific hands, but I probably didn’t appreciate the good route-running ability coming out of Florida State and the development he made with (former running backs coach) Gerald (Brown) and the guys here last year. He can really run routes.”
Quinn stopped just short of declaring a winner in the position battle.
“He’s going to be a guy we’re going to feature in a lot of different ways,” Quinn said. “He’s tough. He’s got great quickness….He’s a factor for sure.”
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
7. How much does White have left in the tank?
White has been battling leg issues since he suffered that high ankle sprain in the exhibition game against Baltimore in 2013 and then tried to play on it.
He missed the two heavy days of the minicamp and only took part in the individual drills on the final day.
Quinn said White would not be on any “veteran” day off plan when training camp starts.
8. Beasley looks like a keeper. Beasley's burst off the ball and around the edge was noticeable even to fans sitting on the hill during practice. Quinn again reiterated that he would be featured at the Leo position.
He flopped from right to left defensive end in the team’s nickel package. Beasley said he prefers the right side, but will do what’s asked of him.
"Not only does he have initial quickness, he's got lateral quickness, too," Quinn said. "As a rusher, not only do you
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
want to take off, but with inside counters, you must have quickness to beat a guy inside. He has both.”
9. Getting Collins and Jarrett ready. Quinn likes what he saw from second-round pick cornerback Jalen Collins, who returned over the offseason from foot surgery, and fifth-round pick Grady Jarrett.
Now, the challenge will be if they can get the rookies ready to contribute immediately on defense.
Quinn liked Collins’ athletic ability, but he has to learn some new techniques. He’ll get a lot of one-on-one time against Julio Jones in training camp. He’ll get abused early, but if he battles back he may be ready to help with some of the bigger receivers in the NFC South.
Jarrett could earn a role in the nickel package.
“You feel the quickness and movement,” Quinn said. “He’s more in line with how (Jonathan) Babineaux plays.”
10. Versatility at tight end. Quinn believes the offense could be fine with tight ends Jacob Tamme, Tony Moeaki and Levine Toilolo. They also have Mickey Shuler and Beau Gardner on the roster.
“Each guy brings some unique stuff to the group,” Quinn said.
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ROOKIE MINICAMP VIDEOS
VIDEO: Meet Falcons 2nd round pick CB Jalen Collins
VIDEO: Meet Falcons 3rd round pick RB Tevin Coleman
VIDEO: Meet Falcons 4th round pick WR Justin Hardy
VIDEO: Meet Falcons 5th round pick DT Grady Jarrett
VIDEO: Meet Falcons 7th round pick OT Jake Rodgers
VIDEO: Meet Falcons 7th round pick CB Akeem King
AJC's 2015 NFL DRAFT COVERAGE
Falcons pick Vic Beasley, pass on Todd Gurley
Scouting report: Vic Beasley the next DeMarcus Ware or a one-trick pony?
Grady Jarrett escapes fire before Falcons draft him
MARK BRADLEY COLUMN: Vic Beasley: The right pick at the right time
JEFF SCHULTZ COLUMN: Falcons' Quinn determined to fix pass rush in draft
STEVE HUMMER feature on first-round pick Vic Beasley
Falcons add CB Jalen Collins in the second round
Falcons add RB Tevin Coleman in the third round
Falcons' draft bios round 2 through 7
PHOTO GALLERY: Meet the Falcons draft class
VIDEO
Vic Beasley plans to be a double-digit sack guy
Thomas Dimitroff and Dan Quinn on the first round of the draft
Falcons coach Dan Quinn on 4th round pick WR Justin Hardy
Dimitroff and Quinn on 5th round pick DT Grady Jarrett
Quinn on 7th round pick OT Jake Rodgers
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