Coach Mike Smith, along with general manager Thomas Dimitroff, stresses that his plan for the Falcons is to build through the draft and supplement through free agency. This past April, the Falcons drafted eight players (six on defense) who will try to make an impact and have long NFL careers — cornerbacks Desmond Trufant (Washington, first round) and Robert Alford (Southeastern Louisiana, second round), defensive end Malliciah Goodman (Clemson, fourth round), tight end Levine Toilolo (Stanford, fourth round), defensive end Stansly Maponga (TCU, fifth round), defensive backs Kemal Ishmael (Central Florida, seventh round)and Zeke Motta (Notre Dame, seventh round) and quarterback Sean Renfree (Duke, seventh round). Trufant and Renfree are the only picks who haven’t signed a contract.
Before they embark on their journey, the players have to learn a thing or two about how to conduct themselves on the NFL level. The NFL Rookie Symposium, which takes place June 23-29, is series of workshops and videos to help players get accustomed to the NFL life, including things such as money management and professionalism.
Smith had a few tidbits of advice he gives all rookies.
“To be accountable, first to themselves, then to their families and then to our team,” Smith said. “I also tell them that if you have to think about should I be doing this, you probably shouldn’t be doing it. And (I tell them to) try to get some rest between this non-game playing season and the start of the game-playing season.”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution caught up with the eight rookies to see how they are adjusting to life in the NFL.
Q: What’s the toughest part about the NFL so far?
Trufant: There's a lot of information and the heat. It's different. The weather is different that Washington, definitely. I'm getting used to things, and now I've just got to perform.
Alford: It's just the level of competition coming from Southeastern. It's just much faster, and the guys are bigger. Just all of the formations and different ways that I can key on the receiver and the quarterback so that I'll know what routes are coming out of it.
Goodman: Just the mental aspect of it. The reps are limited, so you have to mentally get reps at practice, in the meetings, and also watching the veterans in practice.
Toilolo: I think just picking up the playbook. It's new stuff. Luckily, from our offense that we ran in college, it was real similar to the pro-style, but learning new terminology. Trying to play fast while learning is also tough. At this level, you have to play fast or you'll get exposed.
Maponga: Just not practicing at all, not getting the feel of it. I know it's not full pads or anything, but just not being able to run around out there with the veterans.
Ishmael: The toughest part so far would be the speed and the playbook. The playbook, it's a whole different level from college. Game plans are more developed and intricate. There's a lot of pieces to the puzzle, and you have to have trust in your teammates are going to do their job because one mistake can throw off the whole defense. Everybody has to be on point and you have to make sure you get the calls and be live.
Motta: I would say adapting to the speed and coming out and learning a new defense. I feel like I've picked that up pretty quickly. I'm just trying to improve daily, come out with the right attitude, focus. I feel like I've pretty much gotten along with everybody out here.
Renfree: Probably the speed at which you're required to learn and pick up an offense. As a rookie, they put you in situations that are difficult with this defense. The coaches do a good job of making sure they are thorough with things and make sure we understand things.
Q: What aspect of your game do you need to work on most before the start of training camp?
Trufant: Just continue to stay in the playbook. … I pretty much have the majority of it. But there's just the little details. That's going to come with the experience and more repetitions. But I'm picking up pretty fast.
Alford: I have to just say, getting in the playbook. With this down time, I just can forget about the playbook and the plays. I don't have to start all over from Day 1. I just have to consistently stay in the playbook even on our down time.
Goodman: Just being consistent with my hands. Also, recognizing blocks and knowing what I'm going to get and knowing where everybody on the defense is filling so I can know where my part is.
Toilolo: Technique-wise, all the way around. At this level, that's kind of what will separate, get you open and keep you on your blocks. Definitely, blocking technique, staying low and keeping my waist down. In all my route running, keeping my shoulders over my toes and being able to read defenses based on the route concepts.
Maponga: My run game, making sure it's solid. For the most part, I'm trying to work on everything and make sure I'm the best player I can be so that when the season gets here I'll be ready to go and won't have any setbacks.
Ishmael: Just everything. Like I said, it's a whole 'nother level. Mentally, physically, the speed, everything. With this break I'm going to get the work in and come back with better.
Motta: What I want to improve on is not only communication but put myself in a better position to anticipate where I can make a play on the ball or be in a better position. I know it's all about being in the right position and making sure I'm in the right spot. Getting those minute details about the game that will put me in a position to be successful.
Renfree: At this point, I think getting healthy. Obviously, I'm coming off (a shoulder) injury. I'm six months out, but it's still something I'll keep rehabbing even throughout the season. I want to get healthy and get back 100 percent and speed myself up to where I'm comfortable and can play at a high level.
Q: What do you plan to do with your bonus money?
Trufant: I'm just going to go to the bank. Put it in the account. That's the first thing I'm going to do. We'll have to see after that. (laughs).
Alford: When I was 12 years old and I once told my mom that I wanted to play football and she allowed me to do it, I promised her that I was going to get her a house. Just to be able to help her get a house.
Goodman: I'm going to bring my mom to Atlanta one weekend and just kind of pamper her. Get her in a nice hotel, get her a massage and take her shopping.
Toilolo: First and foremost, I'll definitely get something for my parents. I don't know if I'll buy them a house or anything, but I'll give them some money to let them spend how they want to.
Maponga: Probably going to get my mom vacation in London. My sisters are there. She's going to love that, and she's going over there next week for the whole week. A little shopping spree for her. Just want to take care of mom after all the things she's done for me.
Ishmael: I'm just blessed and happy that I have it. I hope that many more checks like that come. I'm a humble person, so just going to stay humble and do what I do.
Motta: Just saving it.
Renfree: I don't think I'll get enough of a bonus or even spend it myself. I'm pretty blessed to have a family that doesn't need much.
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