Atlanta Falcons announce 2016 mandatory minicamp dates

All three of the Atlanta Falcons’ mandatory minicamp practices will be open to the public.

The Atlanta Falcons have announced the dates and times of their mandatory minicamp held in June, with all three days opens for the public. Below is a list of the dates and times for those interested in visiting Flowery Branch for a practice.

The Falcons announced the dates on their official website:

"Tuesday, June 14: Practice starts at 2:40 p.m. ** Gates open at 2:00 p.m.Wednesday, June 15: Practice starts at 2:40 p.m.** Gates open at 1:30 p.m.Thursday, June 16: Practice starts at 11:30 a.m. ** Gates open at 10:30 a.m.On Wednesday, children 17 and under are invited to attend Kid’s Day at minicamp, which will include giveaways, prizes and appearances by Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders, Freddie Falcon and mascot friends."

This is an important part of the offseason for the Falcons. Now is the time where players are getting familiar with the 2016 philosophies, plans and teammates. While there is still much to be determined, there is a lot of change taking place and the players need to get in sync.

Not only are there new faces in Atlanta from both free agency and the draft, but some players are being asked to tryout new positions.

Second-year Vic Beasley will spend more time at linebacker as opposed to spending all of his time at defensive end. Linebacker Courtney Upshaw, however, is doing the opposite. Upshaw not only faces the challenge of settling into a new team, but is also making a positional switch.

Next: Offseason key for Falcons to get in sync

Now is the time for head coach Dan Quinn to see where he is at with his players and where everyone fits into his plans. Over OTAs and minicamp, the Falcons need to get prepared for training camp in July, which is where the hard work truly begins.