10 things we learned from Camp Exile

[atljbo]

10 things we learned from Camp Exile

Buford — The Falcons wrapped up their unofficial offseason program with the closing of “Camp Exile” on Wednesday.

During the NFL Lockout they tried to a normal offseason as quarterback Matt Ryan led the organized team activities.

In a surprise move, rookie Julio Jones was a regular at the practices after he was medically cleared from his foot surgery.

The Falcons, with between 20 to 35 players at the practices, actually went a week longer than what would have been allowed under league rules.

Here are the 10 things we learned from the practices:

1. Jones should be ready to go: After the last practice, Jones spent some extra time on the field running routes before he went over to Ryan’s house for sandwiches and some chalk talk.

They have been meeting away from the field since Jones was drafted.

“He’s taken me under his wings,” Jones said. “He’s let me come over his house to go over material that I don’t have in my playbook. Everything has been great.”

Jones said they study some of the finer nuances of the Falcons’ passing attack.

“We are just going over different material that I don’t have and I’m learning like that.” Jones said.

The Falcons’ offensive attack is not foreign to Jones.

“I recognize everything,” Jones said. “It’s the same pro-set that we ran at Alabama. Matt and all of the other guys, the other receivers, are helping me out as well.”

Jones and linebacker Akeem Dent were the only members of the rookie class to attend the seven-on-seven drills. Now, they must wait until the lockout is over to sign their deals and report for camp.

Jones went pretty hard during the workouts, but admitted that he guarded against injury. There were no major injuries during the practices, although reserve wide receiver Tim Buckley did tweak an ankle in a collision.

“Everybody knows how to practice out here,” Jones said. “This is the professional level. Nobody is going to do anything crazy and try to hurt anyone else. If the cornerback has position on me, I’m not going to jump up out here. I’m just going to let him get the ball and help him get better. I don’t want to push him, fall down and roll our ankles or something like that.”

2. Matt Ryan is the unquestioned leader: Ryan is about to enter his fourth year in the NFL and it’s clear that he’s the leader of the Falcons.

He organized the workouts, came up with the schedule and got input from the key veterans.

He also kept tabs on the players who were working out on their own, too.

3. Curtis Lofton has a whistle: Lofton came with a defensive script and thoroughly enjoyed calling the defenses.

He has to work on his coaching voice to become the next Brian VanGorder.

4. Offensive line might be in good shape: Although the offensive linemen don’t play a key role in seven-on-seven drills, Joe Hawley and Garrett Reynolds were at nearly all of the practices. Mike Johnson was also a regular.

They all could be competing for starting jobs if Tyson Clabo, Harvey Dahl and Justin Blalock leave in free agency.

5. Shann Schillinger is recovering: The backup safety suffered a fractured ankle in the 15th game of the season. He took part in two of the practices.

“I’m getting closer and closer everyday,” Schillinger said. “I can start getting into more football related drills now. Hopefully, things will progress here in the next couple of weeks.”

Schillinger said he was at 85 percent healthy. He was limping some on Wednesday while playing free safety.

“I was cautious with it,” Schillinger said. “It was good to come out and move around a little bit. It was good to get back on the field.”

6. Franks maybe ready to challenge: Cornerback Dominique Franks, a fifth round pick in 2010, was a regular at the practices.

Franks was clearly more comfortable back pedaling and making his breaks on the ball. He could be ready from some action.

7. Roddy White is not a cornerback: One of the delights was watching White play cornerback during the last practice.

He bit on Michael Palmer’s inside move and gave up a sideline route before falling down.

The All-Pro receiver is not going to be a two-way player anytime soon.

8. Palmer’s has some nice hands: Palmer, the Parkview High and Clemson product, was a regular and received a lot of work.

Tony Gonzalez did not make any of the sessions and Justin Peelle and Robbie Agnone made a few practices, but for the most part it was the “Michael Palmer Show” at tight end.

He caught nearly every pass thrown his way.

9. Harry Douglas is fully recovered: He battled back from knee surgery last season.

At the NFL scouting combine, head coach Mike Smith noted that it could take an extra year to fully recover from major knee surgery.

Douglas was a regular, ran extremely well and showed that explosiveness he displayed as a rookie.

With Jones on board, and the recovery of Kerry Meier, the wide receiver position is stacked.

10. Free agents flow: You have to respect linebacker Stephen Nicholas, kicker Matt Bryant, and linebacker Mike Peterson, who all made some practices despite the fact they are free agents. Nicholas was a regular.

[freebird310]

Very nice , and I think we prolly had one of the better player run camps of any team ....Kudos to all of them that participated .....

[raysnill1]

good to hear about Palmer. I really feel like he could fit in nicely at TE. he wasn't a slouch at Clemson even though they didn't really use him a lot. he's got good hands and he has the opportunity to learn from the best.

[CHOCTHEFALCONFAN™]

Nice read. Glad HD is fully recovered.

[atljbo]

yea.. I'm really glad to hear that about HD... Dude showed so much promise... Even last year with the guy trying to get right plus the couple of drops/ timing with Ryan off.... 7 of his 22 receptions went for 18+ yards... He averaged over 13 yards per catch.

I'm really looking forward to seeing HD healthy again

I'm glad to hear Franks is doing his thing also... I honestly think if he would have returned to school last year... Franks would have been a 2nd round pick this year... He had all the tools... The guy was just a gambler in college and needed coached up.. He will give Owens a battle for that NB position.

[Tribal Chief]

I have read that Brent Grimes thinks the defense has improved. Does that mean all the starters were there?

[madman88]

yea.. I'm really glad to hear that about HD... Dude showed so much promise... Even last year with the guy trying to get right plus the couple of drops/ timing with Ryan off.... 7 of his 22 receptions went for 18+ yards... He averaged over 13 yards per catch.

I'm really looking forward to seeing HD healthy again

I'm glad to hear Franks is doing his thing also... I honestly think if he would have returned to school last year... Franks would have been a 2nd round pick this year... He had all the tools... The guy was just a gambler in college and needed coached up.. He will give Owens a battle for that NB position.

every CB gambles

[atljbo]

every CB gambles

I know that... If you saw him in college... He gambled ALOT... It got him beat also.

I think he just needed to be coached up on some things and just develop...

[phattywankenobi]

Nice to see Hawley and Johnson attending even though it was 7 on 7 drills. It's also nice to see Palmer getting a lot of reps with Ryan.

[falconmaniac]

Nice!!!!!!!!

Love to hear that Palmer is killing it and HD is back.

We are stacked at WR!

Get some help on the lines and we are all set to make a run!

[vel]

It looks like Nicholas wants to be back. I think teams are interested in him because of him being a potentially good up and coming LB. I don't mind him trying to drive his own price up but he knows who his team is. Good to hear Douglas is back and Franks is starting to click. Especially HD. Him being a regular and getting his timing back with Ryan is crucial. It's going to be scary this year with White, Jones, and HD on the same page!

[kirbyr]

Sounds like jenkins may be a cap casualty.

[JRid]

That's a lot of good news. There aren't many days that go by that I don't read something that makes me like Julio more and more. I know there was a lot of speculation that TD really wanted AJ Greene more and they may or may not be true, but Julio is a perfect match to what the Falcons look for in a player. It's like if TD could build a player from scratch Julio is exactly who he would end up with.

What is everyone's thoughts on most of the rookies not showing up? If I got drafted and my new team was having a camp like this I can't imagine in my wildest dreams that I wouldn't want to be there. Meeting the players, getting to know the playbook, getting a feel for the NFL, etc.... I guess some of them might not have had the money to be here since they haven't signed contracts yet. I assume they have trainers who they like in their hometown too. I just flew to Oregon and I had to pay almost $600 for a plane ticket so Rodgers trip might be expensive with everything he would have to pay for. Also, why aren't guys like Rafael Priest, Agnone, etc... there. Maybe Priest was there, but I haven't seen his name. He barely knows any of the players either. Those guys are going to get a rude awaking when they show up for a limited training camp just before the season starts.

[atljbo]

That's a lot of good news. There aren't many days that go by that I don't read something that makes me like Julio more and more. I know there was a lot of speculation that TD really wanted AJ Greene more and they may or may not be true, but Julio is a perfect match to what the Falcons look for in a player. It's like if TD could build a player from scratch Julio is exactly who he would end up with.

What is everyone's thoughts on most of the rookies not showing up? If I got drafted and my new team was having a camp like this I can't imagine in my wildest dreams that I wouldn't want to be there. Meeting the players, getting to know the playbook, getting a feel for the NFL, etc.... I guess some of them might not have had the money to be here since they haven't signed contracts yet. I assume they have trainers who they like in their hometown too. I just flew to Oregon and I had to pay almost $600 for a plane ticket so Rodgers trip might be expensive with everything he would have to pay for. Also, why aren't guys like Rafael Priest, Agnone, etc... there. Maybe Priest was there, but I haven't seen his name. He barely knows any of the players either. Those guys are going to get a rude awaking when they show up for a limited training camp just before the season starts.

We dont know everybody who was there.... Ive seen youtube videos of rafeal bush working out... also our rookie o-lineman (on his on in a facility) ... The rookies dont have the money so unless they are in GA... I understand why they are not their.

To me im glad guys were there but its not a huge deal if certain guys wasnt there... One guy im wondering about is Weems... He is a guy that could have tried to make some head way at the WR position... Grow some chemistry with Matt Ryan during this time...

[vel]

That's a lot of good news. There aren't many days that go by that I don't read something that makes me like Julio more and more. I know there was a lot of speculation that TD really wanted AJ Greene more and they may or may not be true, but Julio is a perfect match to what the Falcons look for in a player. It's like if TD could build a player from scratch Julio is exactly who he would end up with.

What is everyone's thoughts on most of the rookies not showing up? If I got drafted and my new team was having a camp like this I can't imagine in my wildest dreams that I wouldn't want to be there. Meeting the players, getting to know the playbook, getting a feel for the NFL, etc.... I guess some of them might not have had the money to be here since they haven't signed contracts yet. I assume they have trainers who they like in their hometown too. I just flew to Oregon and I had to pay almost $600 for a plane ticket so Rodgers trip might be expensive with everything he would have to pay for. Also, why aren't guys like Rafael Priest, Agnone, etc... there. Maybe Priest was there, but I haven't seen his name. He barely knows any of the players either. Those guys are going to get a rude awaking when they show up for a limited training camp just before the season starts.

I don't know about Rodgers. I always thought about that when reports came up. The team knows so I am not worried. I like to hear more about the Ryan to Jones connection build steam.

[JRid]

We dont know everybody who was there.... Ive seen youtube videos of rafeal bush working out... also our rookie o-lineman (on his on in a facility) ... The rookies dont have the money so unless they are in GA... I understand why they are not their.

To me im glad guys were there but its not a huge deal if certain guys wasnt there... One guy im wondering about is Weems... He is a guy that could have tried to make some head way at the WR position... Grow some chemistry with Matt Ryan during this time...

Yeah, I was wondering about Weems too. I haven't heard anyone mention that he was there, but I assumed he probably was. I was asking about Rafael Priest and not Rafael Bush. I've seen that Bush has been there some, but haven't heard about Priest. It seems like Priest is a long shot to even make the team so he should be there learning what he can. I don't know anything about Priest anyway and I don't expect much, but I just thought it was odd that he hasn't been there. Was he signed when Schillinger went down or was it after the season? As you said we don't know everyone so maybe he has been there and just has not stood out at all.

[Falcon Fantom]

Everything sound real promising. O-line youngins are poised to show they are ready to start. Julio is who we think he is(In my Dennis Green voice), HD is back to 1080hp. All is well

[Dem Birds]

I know Tony Gonzalez has earned the right to not be there by being the best ever, but I would have liked to have heard about him being there for someone like Palmer who could use all the tips he can get, at least on occasion.

[atljbo]

Yeah, I was wondering about Weems too. I haven't heard anyone mention that he was there, but I assumed he probably was. I was asking about Rafael Priest and not Rafael Bush. I've seen that Bush has been there some, but haven't heard about Priest. It seems like Priest is a long shot to even make the team so he should be there learning what he can. I don't know anything about Priest anyway and I don't expect much, but I just thought it was odd that he hasn't been there. Was he signed when Schillinger went down or was it after the season? As you said we don't know everyone so maybe he has been there and just has not stood out at all.

Naw Weems wasnt there... Yea.. We signed Schillinger to a 4 year contract when we drafted him... I know he was working out with Coy and the others... He is probably not ready for the on the field stuff yet.

[atljbo]

I know Tony Gonzalez has earned the right to not be there by being the best ever, but I would have liked to have heard about him being there for someone like Palmer who could use all the tips he can get, at least on occasion.

He and Abe has never been there.. They know what to do... I cant lie.. I rather they not be there so the young guys can get out there more.. We know what they bring... They are always in shape when TC come around.

[JRid]

I know Tony Gonzalez has earned the right to not be there by being the best ever, but I would have liked to have heard about him being there for someone like Palmer who could use all the tips he can get, at least on occasion.

I knew TG would not be there because he made some comments last year about how it would be nice to do what Farve did and not have to go to all the camps. I remember thinking then that he probably wont be there to help out whatever young TE we have.

[Dem Birds]

He and Abe has never been there.. They know what to do... I cant lie.. I rather they not be there so the young guys can get out there more.. We know what they bring... They are always in shape when TC come around.

I totally know they will be ready to go once it's time, I think both of those guys end up in Canton, but it would be nice to see them there mentoring the younger guys, I know Abe has already been mentoring Sid the last 2 seasons and Matthews isn't there, but Tony could be helping out his likely replacement. But of course, he's under no obligation to be a teacher, so I'm not upset about it lol.

[Power I]

That's a lot of good news. There aren't many days that go by that I don't read something that makes me like Julio more and more. I know there was a lot of speculation that TD really wanted AJ Greene more and they may or may not be true, but Julio is a perfect match to what the Falcons look for in a player. It's like if TD could build a player from scratch Julio is exactly who he would end up with.

What is everyone's thoughts on most of the rookies not showing up? If I got drafted and my new team was having a camp like this I can't imagine in my wildest dreams that I wouldn't want to be there. Meeting the players, getting to know the playbook, getting a feel for the NFL, etc.... I guess some of them might not have had the money to be here since they haven't signed contracts yet. I assume they have trainers who they like in their hometown too. I just flew to Oregon and I had to pay almost $600 for a plane ticket so Rodgers trip might be expensive with everything he would have to pay for. Also, why aren't guys like Rafael Priest, Agnone, etc... there. Maybe Priest was there, but I haven't seen his name. He barely knows any of the players either. Those guys are going to get a rude awaking when they show up for a limited training camp just before the season starts.

I was hoping Jacquizz would make some of the practices. I know he doesn't have the money, but it seems like Ryan and Turner could have flown him down. They certainly have the cash to help the guy out.

[Dem Birds]

I was hoping Jacquizz would make some of the practices. I know he doesn't have the money, but it seems like Ryan and Turner could have flown him down. They certainly have the cash to help the guy out.

Yeah, you'd think. Maybe he didn't take the initiative. But honestly, out of all the rookies, he has the least to learn. RB is very plug and play.

[kschreck]

Hopefully last season's ugly exit from the playoffs will be added motivation for this season.