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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Falcons owner Arthur Blank speaks with media at the NFL annual meeting at the Breakers resort in Palm Beach, Fla., April 1, 2025. (AJC photo by Ken Sugiura)

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