At the second day of the Falcons’ minicamp Saturday, coach Dan Quinn noticed improvement in communication and execution from Friday’s action.
“Whether it was a drafted player, a free agent or somebody who was here on tryout, everybody helped themselves today,” Quinn said. “The things that separate us now, it’s the work ethic and that’s how the one percenters, how they separate themselves. That’s kind of the message we’re trying to instill in the guys right off the bat.”
Demonstrating effort Saturday was linebacker De’Vondre Campbell, the Falcons’ fourth-round pick (115th overall) out of Minnesota.
After two days competing in the minicamp, a skill that sets Campbell apart from the competition is versatility.
“I can guard tight ends, running backs and also get in those passing windows and a lot of stuff other people can’t because I’m a lot taller than the average linebacker,” said Campbell, who is listed at 6-foot-3. “Everything’s moving so fast right now because we’re (intensifying) every day, but I’m just trying to pick up on everything I can, and I think I’m picking it up pretty well. I’m just trying to go out here, take the coaching and go learn (by watching video) from the mistakes today … and just try to get better.”
Not participating although fully dressed out Saturday was rookie Devin Fuller.
Fuller was held out Saturday for a hamstring sprain from Friday’s practice.
“He was close. He had a little strain of his hamstring today, so we decided to have him do some individual today in hopes that he can get rolling with the group this week and not have any setbacks,” Quinn said.
Quinn said Fuller, a seventh-round draft pick (238th overall), did not participate as a precaution.
Fuller, a wide receiver out of UCLA, caught only 24 passes in his senior season as a senior at UCLA and occasionally was featured on kickoff and return teams.
“I feel like every rookie, if you’re not a first- or second-round draft pick, has to play special teams, and I’m open for that challenge,” Fuller said. “I feel like I can do special teams. It’s one thing I worked on in my college career.”
After Saturday’s practice, Quinn expressed confidence in the minicamp participants if a roster spot becomes available.
“It’s been a good weekend,” Quinn said. “Now I’m excited to add this group into a competitive group of guys right right into the locker room and get into the work Monday, and we’ll get two weeks with them before we start OTAs.”
