Countdown to camp: A look at the offensive line

Birdland – With the opening of the Falcons‘ training camp just days away, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution will take a look at some key positions every day through Thursday. Today: the offensive line.

The 10-day “Countdown to Camp” series started out with the defensive line and followed by the linebackers, cornerbacks and safeties.  

The players report for training camp on Wednesday and take the field for the first practice at 10:40 a.m. the next day.

THE REALLY BIG QUESTION: Can new offensive line coach Pat Hill whip the unit into shape in his return to the NFL?

 In addition to having new coordinators on both sides of the ball, the offensive line will be under the direction of new coach Pat Hill.

He was fired as head coach at Fresno State after a record of 112-80 from 1997 to 2011. He last coached in the NFL with the Browns (1992-95) and Ravens (1996).

Some NFL insiders contend this is the first time  Hill will be over the entire offensive line because he was tight ends/offensive line coach under current Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz who was offensive line coach in Cleveland and Baltimore.

Hill will have help from assistant line coach Paul Dunn, a 29-year coaching veteran, back for his fifth-year with the team. Hill faces a major challenge in his return to the pro ranks.

He must get left tackle Sam Baker back on track after an injury-filled 2011 campaign and find a starter at right guard.

The competition along the offensive line will be hot and heavy with rookie Peter Konz expected to make a

strong bid for the right guard spot that was manned by Garrett Reynolds and Joe Hawley last season. The Falcons also signed eight-year veteran Vince Manuwai as a free agent. Mike Johnson, a former third-round pick, could fight his way into the picture.

Todd McClure, who is back for another campaign at center, left guard Justin Blalock and right tackle Tyson Clabo should round out the starting lineup.

The unit must improve upon the 26 sacks and 81 quarterbacks hits they gave up in 2011.

FIVE GOALS FOR THE OFFENSIVE LINE  IN 2012

1. Protect quarterback Matt Ryan much better.

2. Convert in short yardage situations.

3. Block well in space in the new screen game attack. 

4. Keep the penalties down to a minimum.

5. Continue to play nasty under new position coach Pat Hill.

Here’s a look at the offensive linemen:

Sam Baker:  He’s in the last year of a five-year, $13.5 million contract. Baker must return to form to secure his long-term future with the team or be ready to enter free agency.

Will Svitek: He played in all 16 games and made 10 starts at left tackle last season.

Bryce Harris: He started at left tackle for three seasons at Fresno State. He started his college career as a defensive lineman.

Justin Blalock: He has made all 16 regular-season starts in each of the past four seasons.

Mike Johnson: He played in five games last season.

Phillipkeith Manley: At Toledo, he played mostly left guard.

Todd McClure: Mud Duck is back for his 13th season at center.

Joe Hawley: He was a key reserve last season at guard and center, starting 12 of 16 games. 

Tyler Horn: He played center at Miami and was a second-team all-ACC selection.

Garrett Reynolds: Opened the season as the starter at right guard last season, but had trouble anchoring the position.

Vince Manuwai: He did not play last season because of a severe ankle injury. He started 105 of 111 games at left guard over the previous eight seasons in Jacksonville.

Peter Konz: He was drafted in the second round, 55th overall. He has picked up the offense and will contend for a starting position. He plays center and guard.

Tyson Clabo: He hopes to return to Pro Bowl form in 2012.

Andrew Jackson: Played for Hill at Fresno State.

Lamar Holmes: Missed the organized team activities and minicamp with a broken foot.

Training camp Dates, Practice Times (public availability)

Thursday, July 26 Walkthrough 10:40 – 11:25 a.m. (closed to the public)

Practice 3:30 – 5:50 p.m. (open to the public)

Friday, July 27 Walkthrough 10:40 – 11:25 a.m. (closed to the public)

Practice 3:30 – 5:50 p.m. (open to the public)

Saturday, July 28 Walkthrough 10:40 – 11:25 a.m. (closed to the public)

Practice 3:30 – 6:05p.m. (open to the public)

Sunday, July 29 Practice 3:30 – 6:05 p.m. (open to the public)

Monday, July 30 Walkthrough 10:40 – 11:25 a.m. (closed to the public)

Practice 3:30 – 6:05 p.m. (open to the public)

Tuesday, July 31 Walkthrough 10:40 – 11:25 a.m. (closed to the public)

Practice 3:30 – 6:05 p.m. (open to the public)

Wednesday, August 1 Players’ Day Off

Thursday, August 2 Walkthrough 10:40 – 11:25 a.m. (closed to the public)

Practice 3:30 – 6:05 p.m. (open to the public)

Friday, August 3 Practice 10:40 – 11:25 a.m. (closed to the public)

KIA Motors “Friday Night Lights” at Peachtree Ridge High School

6:45 – 9:10 p.m. (open to the public)

 Saturday, August 4 Players’ Day Off

Sunday, August 5 Walkthrough 10:40 – 11:25 a.m. (closed to the public)

Practice 3:30 – 5:50 p.m. (open to the public)

Monday, August 6 Walkthrough 11:10 – 11:55 a.m. (closed to the public)

Combined Practice w/ Tennessee Titans

Coahulla Creek High School – Dalton, GA — 4:30 – 7:15 p.m. (open to the public)

Tuesday, August 7 Walkthrough 10:40 – 11:25 a.m. (closed to the public)

Practice 3:30 – 6:05 p.m. (open to the public)

Wednesday, August 8 Pregame Walkthrough – No Media Availability

Thursday, August 9 Falcons vs. Baltimore Ravens, Georgia Dome, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, August 10 Players’ Day Off

Saturday, August 11 Walkthrough 10:40 – 11:25 a.m. (closed to the public)

Practice 3:30 – 6:05 p.m. (open to the public)

Sunday, August 12 Walkthrough 10:40 – 11:25 a.m. (closed to the public)

Practice 3:30 – 6:05 p.m. (open to the public)

Monday, August 13 Practice 3:30 – 6:05 p.m. (closed to the public)

Tuesday, August 14 Walkthrough 10:40 – 11:25 a.m. (closed to the public)

Practice 3:30 – 5:50 p.m. (closed to the public)

Wednesday, August 15 Pregame Walkthrough – No Media Availability

Thursday, August 16 Falcons vs. Cincinnati Bengals, Georgia Dome, 8 p.m. – FOX (National Broadcast)

Friday, August 17 Players’ Day Off

Saturday, August 18 Walkthrough 10:40 – 11:25 a.m. (closed to the public)

Practice 3:30 – 6:05 p.m. (closed to the public)

Sunday, August 19 Walkthrough 10:15 – 11:45 a.m. (closed to the public)

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–D. Orlando Ledbetter, The Atlanta Falcons beat blog

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