Here some observations from the early portion of the Falcons’ first practice on Thursday:

1. Julio Jones looked very comfortable moving around and making catches.

2. Running back Devonta Freeman needed some extra stretching from the training staff.

3. First-round draft pick Takkarist McKinley, who’s coming back from shoulder surgery, appeared powerful while working through the individual bag drills.

4. Fans were lined up at 7:30 a.m., an hour before the gates opened up. It appears to be a large crowd on the hill overlooking the practice fields.

5. Coach Dan Quinn said that right tackle Ryan Schraeder, wide receiver Mohamed Sanu, strong safety Keanu Neal, free safety Ricardo Allen and linebacker Deion Jones had the best offseasons during his appearance on 92.9 The Game before practice.

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An Atlanta Falcons fan wears a paper bag on their head during the second half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, in Atlanta. (Mike Stewart/AP)

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Fans celebrate in the stands after Cape Verde defeated Eswatini in a World Cup qualifying soccer match at Estádio Nacional in Praia, Cape Verde, Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, to clinch their qualification for the 2026 World Cup. (Cristiano Barbosa/AP)

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