FLOWERY BRANCH — Wide receiver Kenny Stafford, who is on a tryout at the Falcons’ rookie minicamp, adjusted to a pass that was thrown behind him Saturday, came down with the ball and made a sudden move to get up field.
It was a big-time catch and move.
It’s hard to stand out at these camps with new teammates, but for Stafford, he received some tips from his famous relatives before arriving.
He called former NBA coach and player Butch Carter and former NFL receiver Cris Carter to get a few tips.
“Every time that I call them, they give me good advice,” Stafford said. “Whether if it’s about becoming a man, or if it’s football-related. Anything I ask, they’ll try to do it for me. I’m very blessed.”
He caught 59 passes for 935 yards and scored eight touchdowns in his college career.
Stafford called Cris Carter again after the first practice Friday.
“He’s always giving me tips,” Stafford said. “He’s a great resource, and I use it to my advantage. Having a resource like that is unbelievable, a future Hall of Fame receiver and you play the same position as him. He can give you tips that not everyone can give you.”
Defense to mix it up
Secondary coach Tim Lewis, who served as a defensive coordinator for seven years in the NFL, is excited about the Falcons’ new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan’s defense.
“Mixing in pressure, zone and man-to-man, those types of things are what coach Nolan brings to the table,” said Lewis, who was the defensive coordinator for the Steelers (2000-03) and the New York Giants (2004-06).
The defense’s offseason focus is to improve the third-down defense.
“You’ll see a completely different package,” Lewis said. “We’ll be using our athletes in different ways, and I think the ability to keep people off guard and off balance is what he’s going to bring.”
The Falcons finished last season ranked 29th in the NFL in third-down defense as teams converted on 93 of 211 (44 percent) third-down attempts.
Robiskie on Jones
Wide receivers coach Terry Robiskie is excited for the chance to work with Julio Jones, who played his first NFL season without the benefit of any offseason coaching because of the lockout.
“As the season begin to progress, you could see him growing,” Robiskie said. “I just want him to keep growing. It’s a plus for him now. He gets the training camp. He gets the OTAs. He gets to come in every day, lift and run. He can keep getting bigger and stronger. I don’t know if he can get any faster.”
Returners job open
Falcons coach Mike Smith said that Dominique Franks and Harry Douglas are candidates for the vacant punt-return job. He noted that several players on the roster have returned kickoffs.
Wide receivers Cody Pearcy, James Rodgers and Marcus Jackson have been catching punts at the rookie minicamp.
The Falcons must replace Eric Weems, who left in free agency to join the Chicago Bears.
“It’s one of those spots where there’s a job opening,” Robiskie said. “Somebody has got to step up in my room and say ‘Coach, I want that job.’ Those are some big shoes to fill.”
