5 things we learned from Falcons’ OTAs

The Falcons held their ninth and final OTA on Thursday.

All that is left in the offseason program is the mandatory minicamp Tuesday through Thursday. Training camp will start with the players reporting on July 27th.

Here’s what we learned during OTAs:

1. Special teams: Falcons special teams coordinator Keith Armstrong is looking to improve the units, which he called “average” last year. They were ranked 22nd in the league last season.

2. Experimentation on defense: Falcons defensive coordinator Richard Smith looked and several combinations at linebacker with Vic Beasley moving to strongside. Philip Wheeler is slated to be his “relief pitcher.”

3. The rookie club: One key for the Falcons will be how fast they can get rookies Keanu Neal, Deion Jones and De’Vondre Campbell on the field. The Falcons want to get faster and drafted these hitters to help the unit.

4. Reed, Upshaw: Both former strongside linebackers — Brooks Reed and Courtney Upshaw — were moved to defensive end with the coaches leaving no stone unturned in their quest to improve the pass rush.

5. Coleman is up: The Falcons remain high on running back Tevin Coleman, the season-opening starter last season.

—D. Orlando Ledbetter

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Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

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