Dirty Bird Daily: Latest Atlanta Falcons News
Good morning, Atlanta Falcons fans. Happy Friday — we are now entering the last stretch of offseason before training camp. Hang in tight for the next four or five weeks because we are well and truly on the road to the football season. Here are today’s news and links.
Falcons minicamp: Justin Hardy lives up to hype — Jeanna Thomas of The Falcoholic
"Many fans have asked about Justin Hardy, the Falcons’ fourth rounder out of Eastern Carolina. Hardy’s effort and work ethic have been praised by everyone from Matt Ryan to Julio Jones, and you could certainly see how that’s paying off for Hardy today. It seemed like he caught everything that was thrown his way, and he was running nice, clean, precise routes."
Still questions about Falcons offensive line — Vaughn McClure of ESPN
"However, the Falcons took a step back along the offensive line, where plenty of questions still remain. Projected starters Jake Matthews, Joe Hawley and Jon Asamoah never saw extensive time on the field, with Matthews and Hawley recovering from surgeries and Asamoah battling a right ankle injury."
Could TE be a strength in 2015? — John Buhler of ATL All Day
"It’s no secret that the Atlanta Falcons have had a difficult time adjusting to life without Tony Gonzalez in their TE corps. Last year was a struggle at the position for the team. Levine Toilolo only made 31 catches for 238 yards and 2 touchdowns in his second NFL season."
7 quick takes from Falcons’ minicamp — D. Orlando Ledbetter of AJC.com
"Returner Devin Hester was excused for the third day for a family matter, while defensive end Malliciah Goodman (knee strain), running back Tevin Coleman (groin strain) and quarterback Matt Ryan (rest) did not practice."
Falcons sign WR Mitchell, wave WR Wynn — Jay Adams of AtlantaFalcons.com
"Mitchell, 6-3, 215 pounds, was originally selected by the Cleveland Browns in the sixth round (177th overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft out of South Florida. Mitchell played in 16 games for the Browns tallying three receptions for 31 yards."