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Atlanta Falcons: Organized team activities get underway Monday

By Freddie Boston

May 26, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan throws on the field during OTA at Falcons Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
May 26, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan throws on the field during OTA at Falcons Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Atlanta Falcons kickoff Phase 3 of the offseason program with the beginning of OTAs on Monday.

We are flying through the offseason with the beginning of OTAs, or organized team activities, getting underway Monday. Phase 3 of the Atlanta Falcons’ offseason program now gets underway.

This is an opportunity for members of the roster to begin to impress their coaches. This is particularly true for those on the bubble of the roster. Locking down a roster spot isn’t easy, and while a strong training camp is required to make the team, it all begins in OTAs.

Here is Phase 3 of the offseason program explained in the Collective Bargaining Agreement:

"“Phase 3 consists of the next four weeks of the program. Teams may conduct a total of 10 days of organized team practice activity, or “OTAs.” No live contact is permitted, but 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills are permitted.Article 22 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement stipulates that clubs may hold one mandatory minicamp for veteran players. This minicamp, noted below, must occur during Phase Three of the offseason program.”"

How will the new Falcons settle in? Center Alex Mack, receiver Mohamed Sanu and defensive lineman Derrick Shelby are among the list of veteran signings made in free agency, while the likes of safety Keanu Neal and linebacker Deion Jones were added in the draft.

For all of the newest additions to the roster, it’s important to adjust quickly and make a good impression in front of head coach Dan Quinn. While all of the names mentioned are all but set to land a spot on the roster, those on the bubble need to perform at a high level.

Atlanta Falcons OTAs and mandatory minicamp

OTAs: May 23-24, May 26, May 31, June 1, June 3, June 6-9

Mandatory minicamp: June 14-16

Following minicamp in mid-June, we enter the quietest time of the year. Player acquisition (free agency and the draft) will be long gone, and the offseason program will come to a halt until training camp begins in mid-to-late July.

Next: Ranking the top five NFC offenses

As soon as training camp arrives, we know football is coming.

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