Falcons rookie report: Looks like they will have an impact

FLOWERY BRANCH -- The Falcons hope that their rookie class from the 2010 draft can make an instant impact this season.

Last season, the rookie class suffered major blows with injuries to first-round pick Peria Jerry and second-rounder William Moore. The highlight was Christopher Owens, the third-round pick. He finished the season as a starter at cornerback.

Of course, the 2008 class, with quarterback Matt Ryan, middle linebacker Curtis Lofton, safety Thomas DeCoud, wide receiver Harry Douglas, cornerback Chevis Jackson and defensive end Kroy Biermann, helped to quickly turn the team around and reach the playoffs.

With just over a week of training camp under their helmets, here's a report on the class of 2010:

Sean Weatherspoon, linebacker: He is drawing raves from the coaches and veterans. He'll have to maintain his intensity throughout training camp, but his style of play can be infectious.

"I really feel that Sean Weatherspoon has really become more and more comfortable," Falcons coach Mike Smith said. "He's getting reps at both [outside linebacker] spots and in our dime and [nickel] packages."

Corey Peters, defensive tackle: He also has gotten off to a good start. He's picking up the defense quickly.

"Corey Peters, I think has really had a solid camp," Smith said. "When we got into the pads, you really saw what he could do. He has a really good anchor point."

Defensive-line coach Ray Hamilton knows there's a long way to go in training camp for Peters.

"Our rookie looks good so far," Hamilton said. "He's catching on to things. He's learning stuff every day."

Mike Johnson, offensive guard: He's off to a slow start. He has to catch up to the speed of the NFL game.

Joe Hawley, center: He's also off to a slow start. But with an entrenched starter in Todd McClure, the Falcons can afford to bring him along slowly.

"It's been tough on them," offensive line Paul Boudreau said of Johnson and Hawley. "They've had some good snaps and some bad snaps. They are just not consistent enough. The thing that they have to do is remember that their heads are spinning."

Boudreau and his offensive line assistant Paul Dunn, will be patient with Johnson and Hawley.

"They have techniques that they have to perfect," Boudreau said. "They have blocking schemes, and [as defenders are moving], they have to make some calls. Right now they are a step too slow to play at the level that we are playing at. They are definitely behind, but they have good promise."

It's hard for rookies to come into the NFL and jump in the trenches.

"They have good athletic ability," Boudreau said. "They are big guys. They are nice. They are good guys in the classroom. They fit in.

"Our group is a group where if you come in and you have any kind of prima donna in you ... you're not going to be a diva in our room."

Dominique Franks, cornerback: He may be the steal of the draft. He's getting his hands on a lot of balls and runs well, and secondary coach Tim Lewis appears to have fixed some of his technique issues.

He's a long shot to win the open starting spot, but you can't just dismiss him, either.

Kerry Meier, wide receiver: He's learning three receiver positions and appears to be a keeper.

Shann Schillinger, safety: He appears to have picked up the calls for the secondary rather quickly, but is slated for special-teams duties.