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5 things we learned at minicamp practice

D. Orlando Ledbetter — Tue, 10 May 2011 20:45:52 +0000

Falcons safety Thomas DeCoud soars high for a pass at Tuesday's minicamp practice. Can X-Men fly? (D. Orlando Ledbetter/DLedbetter@ajc.com)

BUFORD – Here are five things we learned at minicamp practice on Tuesday.

1. Free safety Thomas DeCoud is a fan of X-Men: DeCoud, who was sporting a blue X-Men t-shirt, was working out at C.E.S. with Chip Smith. Also, a member of the Saints was working there. When the Saints player left, DeCoud knew it was time for the Falcons to start getting together, too.

2. Quarterback Matt Ryan is a married man: “It’s been great,” Ryan said. “It’s been a month now. The first month has been awesome. Everything you could hope for. We’ll just leave it at that.”

3. Ryan and backup QB John Parker Wilson have been drilling Julio Jones: While Jones wasn’t at the first practice, he has been meeting with the quarterbacks and wide receivers. Also, Wilson said that Jones is a fast learner and will not have any problem picking up the offense.

Ryan is not sure …

Q&A: Matt Ryan, Mike Peterson led minicamp drills

D. Orlando Ledbetter — Tue, 10 May 2011 19:20:13 +0000

Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan before leading about 30 players through an unofficial minicamp practice on Tuesday. (D. Orlando Ledbetter/Dledbetter@AJC.com)

BUFORD – Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan and linebacker Mike Peterson helped to orchestrate the team’s first unofficial workout on Tuesday.

More than 30 players were on hand for the seven-on-seven drills that later for just over an hour.

Before taking the field, Ryan spoke with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution about the drills, his wedding and integrating wide receiver Julio Jones into the offense.

Linebacker Mike Peterson led the defense through the drills. (D. Orlando Ledbetter/DLedbetter@ajc.com)

Q: Who’s coming? Will Julio and Roddy [White] be attending?

A: Julio can’t run quite yet. I don’t want to talk about the injuries. We’ll kind of keep that same policy. He had some work done during the offseason. But, he’ll be here. It’s a little more laid back than the usual setting. But those guys will be here and we’ll get …

Kroy Biermann dealing with love, lockout and fatherhood

D. Orlando Ledbetter — Tue, 10 May 2011 09:00:59 +0000

Falcons defensive end Kroy Biermann after working out on Monday. (D. Orlando Ledbetter/DLedbetter@ajc.com)

CUMMING – Falcons defensive end Kroy Biermann is coming off his first season as a starter.

He’s participating in the Falcons’ ad-hoc offseason strength and conditioning program four times per week with Ignite Elite Athletic Training out of the High Intensity Training Center.

After Monday’s session, Biermann chatted with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution about the program, the draft and about being an expectant father with his celebrity girl friend Kim Zolciak.

Starting defensive end Kroy Biermann also played a key role on special teams last season.

Q: How has the offseason been going for you?

A: It’s been good. I started training in the first part of March and will be going through June. I’ve been coming in here four days a week. I’ve been staying focused.

Q: How did you review your season?

A: I felt good with it. I felt like I improved. I had a major role on special …