New Rookies Look Promising
Jun 18, 2013; Flowery Branch, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant (21) runs through a drill during Minicamp at the Falcons Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Minnie Camps are heating up in Flowery Branch. Although there are no pads, we can catch a cool glimpse as to what the player are going to look like once the season comes around. This speaks a lot more for certain players than others. Obviously when you aren’t in pads, you won’t be able to see how good the defensive or offensive line will do, and if you can’t tackle or lower your shoulder, you won’t be able to see how the running backs are doing. I’m sure Steven Jackson and Jacquizz Rodgers looks great so far, as does the lineman and linebackers, but we won’t be able to see them perform until training camp.
As for Matt Ryan, he doesn’t look like he lost any arm strength. Julio Jones and Roddy White are catching balls easily. In Tony Gonzalez’s absence, Chase Coffman is looking like a superstar. We saw him catch a ball against Seattle in the playoffs last year that made him look like a starter and is really showing off his stuff in camp.
The real good stuff, however, is how well Desmond Trufant (who just started after having to wait to graduate before he could start practicing) and Robert Alford (2nd round pick) are doing. It’s obvious that Trufant is slated to be the starting outside corner while Alford will probably rotate in and out of the corner positions, but while Trufant is passing expectations (which are a lot for a first round pick) Alford seems like he is giving him and McClain a run for their money as the starter.
What are your early thoughts on these two rookies?