FLOWERY BRANCH — Offensive lineman Peter Konz, the Falcons’ top draft pick, has picked up the offense and should be ready to compete for a starting spot in training camp.
Konz, who was selected in the second round of the draft (55th overall) out of Wisconsin, continued to work out at right guard and at center during Tuesday’s minicamp practices.
“Yeah, there is no doubt,” assistant offensive line coach Paul Dunn said when asked if Konz can compete for a starting spot. “We are just trying to find the five best [linemen].”
Konz has been a quick study in the film room.
“Peter has a lot of promise,” Dunn said. “We are encouraged by the way that he’s picked up the system quickly. Coming from Wisconsin, that’s a pretty good tradition-laden offensive line school. They come out of there, and they are pretty well-coached. Peter is no different.”
Konz has impressed the staff with his ability to learn both spots.
“That’s not easy for a young rook to come in and play two positions, but he’s picked it up well so far,” Dunn said.
Wrath of Abraham
It didn’t take long for defensive end John Abraham to make his presence felt in practice.
Abraham, who skipped the voluntary organized team activities, got into a scuffle with rookie tight end Adam Nissley when he went too low on a block.
“What the [expletive] is wrong with you,” Abraham said after he pulled off Nissley’s helmet, and the skirmish was broken up.
“I think that John looked very good,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “He was here early in the offseason program and it looks like he stayed in shape and was moving very well.”
Baker supporter
Dunn expects left tackle Sam Baker to return to form after an injury-marred 2011 season.
“Sam Baker has been a proven veteran for us over the last four years,” Dunn said. “We expect him to be very competitive in this minicamp. We don’t expect any fall off whatsoever. If anything, he’s going to hit the ceiling instead of hitting the floor.”
Johnson is in the mix
Offensive guard Mike Johnson, a third-round pick in 2010 from Alabama, has played in only two games, both on special teams, because of injury.
“We expect Mike to get in there and compete,” Dunn said. “It’s going to be an open competition. This isn’t Mike’s first rodeo. He’s been through a lot as a player at Alabama. ... He’s just had some bad, hard knocks luck here in his first two seasons with injuries. It will be good to see him out here injury-free and competing.”
Folk in the fold
Kicker Erik Folk, an undrafted free agent from Washington, was signed Monday.
“He came in during the rookie minicamp and did a nice job,” assistant special teams coach Eric Sutulovich said. “He’s an accurate guy. He’s got an opportunity to come in and prove himself.”
Folk’s older brother, Nick, kicks for the New York Jets.
Linebacker depth
Linebacker Robert James, who was drafted in the fifth round of the 2008 draft out of Arizona State, is getting a close look at minicamp.
He’ll get a chance to show that he’s a speedy linebacker, who can possibly play in passing situations.
“I think both him and Spencer Adkins are guys that are fighting right now and have been around,” defensive assistant Mark Collins said. “They understand the system. They understand their roles. It should be good competition in the fall.”
Support staff changes
Andrew Weidinger is entering his first season as the team’s offensive assistant after serving four years as an assistant to Smith and running backs coach Gerald Brown.
Weidinger now works with offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter and wide receivers coach Terry Robiskie. He helps to prepare scripts and practice plans.
“When we first came in, coach Smith said we were going to run the ball,” Weidinger said. “Now, we are going to throw it, too. We’ve got all sorts of weapons. We’ve got running backs. We’ve got tight ends. We’ve got receivers. We are going to be able to do a little bit of everything out there.”
Etc.
Tight end Tony Gonzalez was excused from attending the minicamp because of a death in his family. Offensive tackle Will Svitek also was excused for family reasons. His father is sick. ... Wednesday’s practice from 3:30-5:20 p.m. is open to the public. Thursday’s practice from 10:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. is open to the public. ... Defensive end Cliff Matthews, who was out with an undisclosed injury, participated in both minicamp sessions. Linebacker Stephen Nicholas (toe), offensive tackle Lamar Holmes (foot), defensive tackle Corey Peters (foot) did not practice. ... Wide receiver Harry Douglas made a tough catch in traffic on a deep pass from quarterback Matt Ryan.
