Minicamp Aftermath: Falcons have much deeper pool of talent
00509 Flowery Branch - Atlanta Falcons linebackers coach Greg Pires works with first round draft pick rookie linebacker # 56 Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri, during day 3 of minicamp in Flowery Branch on Sunday, May 9, 2010. Curtis Compton ccompton@ajc.com
FLOWERY BRANCH – The lasting impression of the Falcons three-day, five practice minicamp was that will be some fierce competition during training camp to make the 53-man roster.
The Falcons have quietly assembled some nice talent to fill out the roster and field a team that figures to have depth across the board.
One team executive told us that the competition will be particularly fierce at linebacker, offensive line and in the
100509 Flowery Branch - Atlanta Falcons running back # 33 Michael Turner confers with qaurterback # 2 Matt Ryan between plays during day 3 of minicamp in Flowery Branch on Sunday, May 9, 2010. Curtis Compton ccompton@ajc.com
secondary.
In addition to first round pick Sean Weatherspoon, Spencer Adkins and Robert James appear much improved at linebacker. Of course, all of the incumbents return in Mike Peterson, Curtis Lofton and Stephen Nicholas.
Weatherspoon has been asked to learn both – weakside and strongside — outside linebacker positions.
In addition to those position groups, the wide receiver group at mini-camp was spectacular. Rookie Kerry Meier was moving around good and running crisp routes until he went down with a minor hamstring injury in the fourth practice. Brandyn Harvey from Villanova turned heads every day, Alcorn State’s Tim Buckley showed some explosiveness and nice hands and UNLV’s Ryan Wolfe showed why he’s the leading receiver in Runnin’ Rebel history.
Here are a few more closing tidbits from the minicamp:
DAHL HAD SURGERY: Right guard Harvey Dahl had surgery in Charlotte about a week after the season to repair his right ankle. He was cleared for action about three weeks ago and held up well during the minicamp.
00509 Flowery Branch - Atlanta Falcons rookie wide receiver # 80 Kerry Meier, Kansas, catches a pass during day 3 of minicamp in Flowery Branch on Sunday, May 9, 2010. Curtis Compton ccompton@ajc.com
JERRY ON SCHEDULE: Defensive tackle Peria Jerry is on schedule to return by training camp even though he was noticeable limping after a workout on Saturday’s public practice. One of his battles during rehab was putting back on his weight. He’s up to 295 pounds. He was listed at 294 last season.
REST OF THE INJURY GUYS: Jerry, wide receiver Harry Douglas (knee), cornerback Brian Williams (knee) are expected back for training camp.
Safety William Moore (pectoral muscle) and defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux (shoulder) were held out of the minicamp, but are expected to be available during the organized team activities which start on May 25.
Running back Jerious Norwood (hip), defensive end Chauncey Davis (right knee) and wide receiver Kerry Meier (hamstring) all suffered minor injuries during the minicamp and are expected to be available for OTAs.
ROOKIE MINICAMP SET: Falcons coach Mike Smith will hold his first rookie minicamp May 17-20. All of the rookie draft picks, free agents and added tryout players will repeat the material covered in the mandatory minicamp and get additional classroom work.
The Falcons have not held a rookie minicamp the last two offseasons under Smith.
ROSTER MOVES: Quarterback Eric Ward and cornerback Daylan Walker were signed by the Falcons on Monday.
Both were tryout players invited to participate in the team’s minicamp.
Ward, who guided Richmond to the Football Championship Subdivision (I-AA) national championship in 2008, played at Southwest DeKalb High.
Ward completed 784 of 1,264 career passes for 8,969 yards and 61 touchdowns over his career at Richmond.
Last season, he passed for 2,396 yards and 16 touchdowns.
Ward also ran for 1,406 yards on 420 carres and scored 22 touchdowns.
In 2008, he set Spider single-season records in passing yards (2,808), completion percentage (64.1), attempts (359), completions (230) and touchdown passes (tied with 17).
Walker played at Arkansas State and was voted to the All-Sun Belt Conference team by the media and the coaches.
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100 comments Add your comment
D. Orlando Ledbetter
May 10th, 2010
10:28 am
The Falcons signed two tryout players to the roster in cornerback Dylan Walker and quarterback Eric Ward.
bigcalidawg
May 10th, 2010
10:28 am
Mornin’ Led
Enz
May 10th, 2010
10:30 am
Do you not agree that attendance would improve drastically if a stadium were built just outside of downtown where the Dome is? It’s extremely hard for any of us Metro Atlanta fans to get in and out. As a die hard fan I don’t mind it, but I just have to think that a huge rise in support of the team each and every Sunday would allow us to go out and get marquee players and would want the top dog players to come be a Falcon. And we could still be called the Atlanta Falcons, our stadium would just be located just outside of downtown!
Michael
May 10th, 2010
10:34 am
Thanks for the insight on the tryout guys @ DOL.
Michael
May 10th, 2010
10:36 am
DOL, one last question! Have you heard anything on the progress of Dominique Daniels – CB – Nicholls State?
D. Orlando Ledbetter
May 10th, 2010
10:37 am
Don’t have an opinion on the stadium matter. Since it’s going to be downtown, there is no reason to talk about it. There are several good options to get into and out of downtown for the games.
Michael
May 10th, 2010
10:38 am
Enter your comments here
DOL be honest...
May 10th, 2010
10:45 am
How happy are you that you aren’t the Hawks beat writer…
SOUTH GA DAWG FAN
May 10th, 2010
10:46 am
I am worried also that norwood is already hurt , has he ever played all 16 games in a season. one year can be a fluke 2 or more seems to be a pattern .
D. Orlando Ledbetter
May 10th, 2010
10:46 am
Michael — No update on Daniels. He was adjusting to the speed of practices and struggled some in coverage.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
May 10th, 2010
10:47 am
Bigcalidawg — Morning to you!!!
waynester
May 10th, 2010
10:47 am
DLed
With the kid from Guelph not making the cut, I’m beginning to worry aboot the kicking situation, eh….
Seriously, above you said that Bryant and Hauschka were fighting it out for the position–where does that leave the UDFA Garrett Lindholm? Did you see any of him during MC?
D. Orlando Ledbetter
May 10th, 2010
10:50 am
waynester — I just forgot to mention Lindholm. Why are you so worried about kicker? Bryant is solid. Hauschka could be special. Lindholm is promising, too. They didn’t have them kick at all during the minicamp practices in the presence of the media. I suspect they kicked during the special teams practices that proceeded the open practices..
Bangkapi Ajarn
May 10th, 2010
10:59 am
DOL, some really good stuff out of the minicamp, just wanted to say THANKS!!
Regarding K, Elam’s midseason meltdown cost some games last season, enough to keep the Falcons out of the playoffs even with all the injuries. I know they signed some FA’s with NFL experience, but looking at Garrett Lindholm, I think he is intriguing. Reading about the process on the net, the Falcons appeared to target him as a very high priority free agent.
Sid
May 10th, 2010
11:00 am
Thank you D.O.L. ……………seriously!
Rev Blake
May 10th, 2010
11:01 am
I think we’re going to see some good competition this year, especially at wide receiver. I like Meier a lot. His experience as a QB has clearly helped in his route running ability and finding the sof spot in coverages.
Any pics of the QB and DB that were signed?
D. Orlando Ledbetter
May 10th, 2010
11:18 am
BA — Thank you for checking us out! I have some work to do on the kicker situation. Don’t know what they are thinking.
Sid — You’re welcome.
Rev Blake — I took one of Ward over the weekend. Cropped it and everything. Not great, but it’s a picture of him. http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-falcons-blog/2010/05/10/eric-ward-sw-dekalb-high-grad-signed-by-falcons/
tnfalcon
May 10th, 2010
11:24 am
DOL- Take a quess on who will be the odd man out on the OL.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
May 10th, 2010
11:27 am
tnfalcon — Not sure. Jeff Van Note?
Josh B
May 10th, 2010
11:38 am
Is Meier going to be alright for the Rookie Camp?
Delbert D.
May 10th, 2010
11:48 am
The Falcons could go with the Oregon Ducks look with the feathers on the shoulders. On second thought…naaaah.
tnfalcon
May 10th, 2010
11:49 am
DOL- Which rookie O Lineman seemed to be the most impressive and aggressive? Which rookie defensive player stood out?
Gatorzone
May 10th, 2010
12:01 pm
Norwood, I am sorry to say is time to be let go. Guy stays hurt.
I really am concerned that Jerry and Moore are already hurting again. These two better do some contributing this year, or that draft will be a bust.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
May 10th, 2010
12:15 pm
tnfalcon — The rookie OLs blended in. Hard for them to standout in minicamp setting. Weatherspoon had the best camp of the rookies on the defensive side of the ball.
Josh B — Not sure. Coach expects him back for OTAs, though.
Falconsforlife
May 10th, 2010
12:57 pm
How did Abe look? Do you think with the increase in talent/depth on the D he will bounce back like everyone wants him too?
FalconsTransplant
May 10th, 2010
1:01 pm
DOL Is there any open to public practices during the Rookie mini’s?
waynester
May 10th, 2010
1:32 pm
DLed
Other than just being a worry-wort, my concern is the same as BA–playing in a dome we need that foot we can bank on. I know your colleague Pat Y is really sold on Bryant, having covered him in TB, but the brief look we got at him near the end of last season wasn’t enough to get a read on him, and Haucshka is an unknown commodity to most of us. Mostly, I needed a reason to use the words “aboot” and “eh” in my post…as always, thanks for the response….
D. Orlando Ledbetter
May 10th, 2010
2:31 pm
FalconsTransplant — I have not heard yet. Doubt it because they will be during the week. Usually, the open practices are on the weekends. Next open public practices will likely be during training camp.
waynester – Hauschka a big kid (6-4, 210) real strong leg. He made the Ravens, but hooked a couple real bad and got cut. I understand about “aboot” and “eh.” I like plugging some word inventions from time to time.
FalconsTransplant
May 10th, 2010
2:53 pm
Thanks DOL.
Keep these updates coming. I’m a season ticket holder and can’t get enough info on our team.
I talked to Wards dad during the afternoon practice on Sat and was wondering if the Falcons plan on just using him as a QB or is he there for possibly a position change to WR/QB?
He did gain some yardage in school on the ground. And TD DOES like versitale players.
PS my son got an autograph from the FA K Lindholm. We talked for just a minute and he seems like a smart kid.
falcon fan in memphis
May 10th, 2010
2:57 pm
peria jerry noticeably limping saturday. this guy still hasnt healed? his injury was early last year amd he still cant workout without limping afterward. how is he on schedule to return by training camp? i dont see it.
Mack1124
May 10th, 2010
2:57 pm
You wrote that Jerry can be seen limping. Honestly how much do can we expect from Doughas, Brian Williams and Peria Jerry this season. How do you think the WR position will shape up. Very excited to hear about K. Meier.
Thanks
truth
May 10th, 2010
3:46 pm
Why do season ticket holders always want others to know they are season ticket holders?
Fact is, I really don’t give a flying floozie fart.
Five (or Six) Links to Review Mini Camp
May 10th, 2010
3:56 pm
[...] Mini Camp Posts on D. Led’s Blog (AJC) [...]
good ole fan
May 10th, 2010
4:21 pm
Falcon’s present jersey’s look like bowling shirts. Black jerseys with black pants are nasty looking. Most of the steady good teams have traditional uniforms, not the trendy kind of stuff the falcons are wearing. Go back to one traditional uniform with red Jerseys without the bowling league sleeves and white jerseys for away games. Stick with one uniform and don’t have five different looks. Wearing the throw backs is ok and serves a purpose. how you look does matter to the fans.
alanfalcon
May 10th, 2010
4:24 pm
H*%&, I am all the way down in SE Georgia and I could feel the positive vibes.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
May 10th, 2010
4:40 pm
Mack1124 — Thanks for jumping in here. Coach Smith expects them to be ready and he’s a straight shooter. WR is too hard to call right now. If Harry comes back 100 %, he might be able to push Jenkins for No. 2. Weems continues to make catches and did a good job returning kicks and punts. Troy Bergeron was doing good, too. There will be some good competition at WR in training camp.
Truth — They like to let folks know they are invested in the team and that they go to the games.
hiramsaint
May 10th, 2010
4:54 pm
did smitty draft anyone to help him beat up opposing players?
D. Orlando Ledbetter
May 10th, 2010
5:01 pm
hiramsaint — ummm, no. Although, OL Mike Johnson is pretty big at 6-6, 318.
truth
May 10th, 2010
5:09 pm
DLed…..I understand all that but I’m invested in other ways than being a season ticket holder but I don’t spew on the blog everytime I buy a cap, a t-shirt, a jersey ect………so am I less a fan?
Some of us live to far away to be a season ticket holder.
Should a call myself an every know and then when I get a chance ticket holder?
FalconsTransplant
May 10th, 2010
6:18 pm
Well I’m a proud seson ticket holder and have been for going on 6 years. (Reading above) this was the first time I’ve stated on any blog about my status of being a season ticket holder and was simpling stating that to reiterate my point that i enjoy all of these updates. You can still be just as much of a fan as I am without being one. You support your team as much as me. Shouldn’t be an insult if ticketholder announce themselves, we’re all fans.
DOL any ideas about Ward possibly changing positions?
If not, does he have a chance to become the 3rd? Any chance Redman might be out?
COB
May 10th, 2010
6:56 pm
I still feel good about Redman. I’m not quite sold on Wilson though. We need to give him a long hard look in the offseason and preseason. D LED I used to be a sports writer and you make me want to jump back in it. Great job!
truth
May 10th, 2010
7:32 pm
Agree…….w are all fans. Whatever form of fan that is is okay with me also.
Now can we all get along.
ryan
May 10th, 2010
8:01 pm
The Falcons should go after Big John Henderson who can groom Cory Peters and that would add more debth .
cwltank
May 10th, 2010
10:33 pm
Jerry will not be a factor. It good that Anderson gained the weight and now weighs 290 lbs. We need a 320 pounds are better run stopper. Lewis and the potentials are not proven. Henderson would be a plus.
I wish we sign him.
houstondawg
May 11th, 2010
1:08 am
This team has a weird feeling like the building of the patriots team 10 years ago.
Iron Head
May 11th, 2010
3:52 am
Sid stop using Webster’s and give Black’s law Dictionary a shot, English 101 OLE SON……….. D-Led keep it coming sir.
Falcon chic
May 11th, 2010
5:43 am
Enough already with the uniforms, Runway Boys. D-Led, I so wanted more on the kickers. Everyone disparages them as not being real players, but how many games a year — they are clutch and nail it. Or not in the case last year where I counted three games in loss of momentum … the Saints being most painful.
IceFan
May 11th, 2010
8:18 am
Chipper and Norwood must be best friends
FALCO 532
May 11th, 2010
2:44 pm
I agree with Ryan, I would love to see big John Henderson signed. I believe we could really use him since he knows Coach Smith’s system well. I just hate it that we picked Jerry last season with the 1st round pick. I’m not complaining but he was hurt alot in college also, just saying. But regardless I’m very exicted about out Falcons and love reading all these comments and blogs. Thanks DOL
D. Orlando Ledbetter
May 11th, 2010
2:49 pm
FalconsTransplant — No, he’s a quarterback.
Falcon chic — We’ll get more on the kickers, perhaps during OTAs.