From Rookies to Atlanta Falcons, you can say “I knew them when”
The Atlanta Falcons have come home to roost, they reported to camp on July 26 and over 20 rookies will take to the field in Flowery Branch
The Atlanta Falcons have come home to roost. The team reported to camp on Wednesday, July 26 and over 20 rookies will take to the field in Flowery Branch as of Thursday July, 27. Nine practices of the 2017 AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp will be open to the public (July 27-30, August 1-4, and August 6) for all you armchair coaches to come out and scout the new talent that could join the team for the upcoming NFL season – including the following:
Duke Riley, Linebacker
The former LSU Tigers linebacker is so fast (he ran the second-fastest 40-yard dash among linebackers at the 2017 NFL Combine and ranked in the top five times in the three-cone drill and the 20-yard shuttle ) the only time you’ll see him slowing down is when he’s pulling a SUV with his bare hands. LSU linebackers — i.e. Deion Jones — have provided Atlanta with quite a ROI, so it’s no wonder the Falcons went back to that particular well.
Damonta Kazee, Defensive back
Kazee has ball-hawking skills out the kazoo; he had intercepted 17 passes in his four years at San Diego State — including eight in 2015 and seven in 2016 — which means that he could very well find a niche in a defense whose bread and butter is forcing turnovers. Additionally, Kazee only missed one out of every 17 tackle opportunities during his college career.
Takkarist McKinley, Defensive end
The former UCLA defensive end is not lacking in the sacking department, but he will be able to learn from the very best in the business; none other than the league’s 2016 sack leader Vic Beasley — the Falcons talented edge rusher. Like Riley, Takk is may not be physically imposing (by NFL standards at least) but is quick, and his long arms are hard to escape from.
Sean Harlow, Guard
The guard became a starter at Oregon State before he was fully prepared for the task and he allowed nine sacks and was called for 11 penalties in 2014, but he also improved by leaps and bounds throughout his college career and allowed only one sack in his senior year. Harlow could be once again be fast-tracked due to the void left by Chris Chester’s retirement.
Brian Hill, Running back
Hill is not the kind of running back that Falcons fans have grown themselves accustomed to, like, say, Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman. However, he could prove useful in the short run – literally; that is to say, in short-yardage situations.
Before you head to 4400 Falcon Parkway, Flowery Branch, GA 30542 to support your favorite rookie, please keep in mind the following pieces of advice from our friend Freddie Falcon:
• No smoking!
• No drinking!
• No weapons!
• Do not talk to players or coaches during practice!
• No pets!
• No large coolers!
• No audio or video recording devices!
Next: Atlanta Falcons: USA Today predicts repeat of NFC South title
• Sunglasses, binoculars, blankets, umbrellas, lawn chairs, strollers, small coolers and light snacks are okay.
• Hats and jackets are acceptable while shirts and shoes are mandatory, which technically means you can take off your pants and jacket, but let’s better play it safe, shall we?