Atlanta Falcons: 2 rookies that are turning heads in training camp

The Atlanta Falcons have a lot of new veterans but it’s rookies that are stealing the spotlight.

There has been a lot of turnover since the last time that the Atlanta Falcons took the field. Gone are Austin Hooper, Desmond Trufant, Devonta Freeman, Wes Schweitzer, Vic Beasley, De’Vondre Campbell, Adrian Clayborn, Ty Sambrailo, and Jack Crawford.

All of those players started multiple games for the Atlanta Falcons over the last couple of seasons. Quite frankly, after back to back losing seasons, it was time for all of those guys to go anyway.

As they say, when one door closes another door opens and that is exactly what is happening here in Atlanta.

Hayden Hurst, Dante Fowler, Todd Gurley, Justin McCray, LaRoy Reynolds, Darqueze Dennard, and several others are looking forward to restarting their careers in the Falcons black and red.

Despite all of the added veterans to the 2020 roster, it is two rookies that seem to be stealing the show and making names for themselves during the Atlanta Falcons training camp.

A.J. Terrell

First is obviously A.J. Terrell. The first-round pick out of Clemson is turning heads with his athleticism and ability to cover Calvin Ridley and Julio Jones during drills and he has come away with a couple interceptions as well as several deflections.

Sure, Jones and Ridley have gotten theirs but you have to love that Terrell is not afraid to compete. He may get burned on one rep but then lines right back up and is ready to go right back at them. Terrell is going to take some lumps this year in the NFC South, but he is going to win more battles than he loses and he is on track to be the shutdown corner the Falcons have wanted for years.

Mykal Walker

The second rookie turning heads is linebacker Mykal Walker.

After losing De’Vondre Campbell in free agency, the Atlanta Falcons took to the draft as well as free agency to try and replace him. Of course, third-year linebacker Foye Oluokun was going to get the first shot but he has missed time because of COVID-19 and Mykal Walker is taking advantage of that.

Like Pro-Bowl linebacker Deion Jones, Walker clearly has a nose for the football. He has made play after play in training camp and is getting attention from players and coaches alike.

The Falcons were able to secure him in the fourth round this year and he looks like another mid to late-round diamond in the rough pick that general manager Thomas Dimitroff has nailed throughout his career with the Falcons.