Falcons’ Richie Grant must ‘learn the defense better’

FLOWERY BRANCH -- Falcons second-round pick Richie Grant has to earn some playing time on defense.

ExploreFalcons secondary coach Jon Hoke: ‘You can see improvement’

He played six defensive snaps (8%) in the opener against the Eagles and none Sunday against the Bucs. He played 24 special-teams snaps (94%) against the Eagles and 27 special-teams snaps (90%) against the Bucs.

“Just learn the defense better,” Falcons defensive coordinator Dean Pees said Thursday. “He’s a rookie. It’s a lot of defense. It’s a lot of stuff. He’s just got to get to that point where he knows it and we know that he knows it.”

Grant is helping on special teams. Second-year safety Jaylinn Hawkins has earned time as the third safety, according to Pees.

The Falcons are not down on Grant, who was drafted 40th overall this year.

“He’s doing good,” secondary coach Jon Hoke said. “He’s learning every day. He’s a-full-of-energy guy, which is awesome. He brings that to the room. He’s learning every day. He’s going to have a long productive career. He’s young, though, and he’s learning.

“You can see his growth from day-to-day and week-to-week. He’s having a big impact on us right now, on special teams.”

Neither Pees nor Hoke would say how close Grant is to playing.

“You know, we’ll keep working with him,” Hoke said. “All I’m going to say is that he’s improving every week. He’s improving every day.”