From the outset, the Falcons embraced the assignment to coach the Senior Bowl, which is set for 4 p.m. Saturday at Ladd-Peebles Stadium and will be televised by the NFL Network.
Since 2008, the Falcons have selected 14 players who played in the Pro Bowl and figured that it couldn’t hurt to get the know the players in the game much better.
Here’s a look at four players who impressed the Falcons during Senior Bowl week and could end up in Flowery Branch:
Ra'Shede Hageman, DT, Minnesota: The All-Big Ten pick is 6-foot-6 and 311 pounds. He was disruptive in practices and difficult to block in the one-on-one drills. He has size and explosion for his size. "He has brunt strength and is as strong as all outdoors," defensive line coach Bryan Cox said. "He's done a really good job."
Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh: He was dynamite in practices. He has a knack for splitting double teams. He's 6-1, 288 pounds. He should spend most of his time in the South's backfield Saturday. He would like to be drafted by the Falcons after spending a week with Cox. "I love the way he coaches," Donald said. "He doesn't let you slack at all."
Kenny Ladler, FS, Vanderbilt: Ladler, who played at Stephenson High before going on to star for the Commodores, was an all-SEC selection. He has a nose for the football. He was the only FBS player last season with five interception and five forced fumbles. He impressed the coaches with his ability in the classroom.
Deone Bucannon, SS, Washington State: Falcons coaches lamented the fact that they won't be able to blitz, per game rules. But Bucannon picked things up quickly and showed some good range.
Here’s a look at four players who did not impressed the Falcons:
Shaquelle Evans, WR, UCLA: Before suffering a hamstring injury, the Falcons thought Evans was soft and shied away from contact.
Seantrel Henderson, OT, Miami: He's massive at 6-foot-8 and 345 pounds. After three suspensions at Miami, he needed to show the Falcons that he could pass their character screen. He can't. He has first-second round talent, but will slip.
Michael Campanaro, WR, Wake Forest: He may get a look as a slot receiver in the NFL. He'll return punts for the North squad. The Falcons consider him simply a good college player.
Michael Sam, OLB/DE, Missouri: He was the SEC's defensive player of the year, but struggled at linebacker. He showed his pass-rushing ability, but he'll have to improve on his pass drops in coverage and footwork at linebacker.
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