5 Things To Look For When Ota Practices Start

[atljbo]

http://www.myajc.com/news/sports/football/5-things-to-look-for-when-ota-practices-start/nmFKw/#9374ee1d.3143515.735730

5 things to look for when OTA practices start

FLOWERY BRANCH —

With the draft and two minicamps completed, the Falcons get a break from pure football matters before starting their OTA practices the week of May 25.

Here are five things that we learned at the rookie minicamp with an eye toward the start of OTAs:

Getting healthy: The Falcons have several players recovering from offseason surgeries.

Left tackle Jake Matthews (foot), guard/tackle Sam Baker (knee), center/guard Joe Hawley (knee), center/guard Peter Konz (knee), safety William Moore (shoulder), running back Antone Smith (broken leg) and cornerback Jalen Collins (foot) are recovering.

Cornerback Robert Alford (left wrist) and offensive tackle Lamar Holmes (foot/toe) were back at work during the veteran minicamp.

“A number of the guys may be able to participate in some individual work,” Quinn said. “They may not be able to any team work, but what a good sign it is to see some of the guys be able to participate in some fashion.”

Holmes, who’ll be in a battle to retain his roster spot, was in great shape. Collins, who didn’t work in the rookie camp, is close to returning, too.

Rookie minicamp review: Even though the media wasn’t allowed to watch the actual practices, several onlookers and players said the pace was fast and furious. Quinn and his staff were trying to get the rookies used to a pro-styled practice.

The play was shoddy on the first day, with a lot of fumbles. Even the center snaps were an adventure. Things improved from there. “The guys worked really hard,” Quinn said.

Jonathon Mincy, who played at Auburn and Southwest DeKalb High, Mark Huffer, an offensive tackle from South Dakota, and defensive end Sam Meredith, of San Diego State, were impressive enough to get signed after receiving tryouts. The Falcons waived defensive tackle Chris Brown (Tarleton State), cornerback Jordan Ozerities (Central Florida) and wide receiver Joshua Stangby (Ottawa).

Possible contributors: Rookie running back Tevin Coleman and wide receiver Justin Hardy looked as if they may be able to contribute immediately.

Coleman ran hard and fast. Reports that he’s a perfect fit for the outside-zone running system were not exaggerated. “You really felt his speed,” Quinn said.

Seventh-round pick Akeem King is versatile and said he believes he can play corner, nickel or safety. Here’s his take on the defensive scheme: “It’s pretty basic,” King said. “Just don’t get beat deep. Cover-3 and man.”

No contract issues: After Coleman signed Tuesday, the Falcons have signed six of their seven picks, and first-round pick Vic Beasley is expected to sign soon.

The deals are getting done more quickly because under the current collective bargaining agreement there is nothing much to negotiate because the players are slotted by the draft and get paid accordingly.

“Basically the only thing you’re dealing with is how much of the signing bonus is going to be deferred,” said Joel Corry, CBS Sports’ NFL business analyst. “That’s a team-by-team policy.”

Quinn’s challenge: In his first meeting with the team, Quinn issued a challenge to every player to have the best offseason of their careers.

Some of the players have taken the message to heart. Holmes and Ra’Shede Hagemen have lost 20 and 15 pounds, respectively. Quinn also cited linebacker Paul Worrilow, the team’s leading tackler the past two seasons.

“Paul Worrilow at inside linebacker is having a terrific offseason,” Quinn said. “I challenged the guys to have the best offseason that they’ve ever had. He is literally having that. I’d be hard-pressed to find a guy who’s going for it harder than Paul.”

[vel]

Man TC is going to be wild! This is what football is supposed to be. Constant competing. If there is no competition, compete against yourself. I can't wait to see it in action.

[Tuggle'2]

Worrylow tearing it up!

[The O.D.B]

Quinn is obviously mistaken.........Ha! Suck it haters.

“Paul Worrilow at inside linebacker is having a terrific offseason,” Quinn said. “I challenged the guys to have the best offseason that they’ve ever had. He is literally having that. I’d be hard-pressed to find a guy who’s going for it harder than Paul.”

Funny how both Nolan and Quinn have made comments like this but half this board claims his only a mediocre backup.

Edited May 13, 2015 by The O.D.B

[ATLFalcons11]

Some of the players have taken the message to heart. Holmes and RaShede Hagemen have lost 20 and 15 pounds, respectively. Quinn also cited linebacker Paul Worrilow, the teams leading tackler the past two seasons.

Paul Worrilow at inside linebacker is having a terrific offseason, Quinn said. I challenged the guys to have the best offseason that theyve ever had. He is literally having that. Id be hard-pressed to find a guy whos going for it harder than Paul.

Not for Worrilow because he has always worked hard, not for Hageman because this is technically his first offseason.

But for Holmes, I have a strong dislike for the "he's in the NFL and it took him __ years to get right" because we act like we are all at the height of our maturity from the day that we're born.

Some of the same people who may have wanted Rolando McClain. Lol!

I'm proud to see growth and maturity and so far he is showing it. Keep it up Holmes.

[hjerry]

I get Matthews, I get Moore, since he went under the knife in January, heck I even get Hawley and Konz, but I find it kind of concerning that Smith, and most of all Baker, are all still unable to return to the field.

[Sun Tzu 7]

Worrilow may not be the star we hoped he'd be but it's great we never have to question his work ethic.

[freebird310]

I got a feeling Big Holmes gonna flip a switch and be lights out this year, beating out Schrader for RT job....call me crazy, just a hunch....

[atlGM]

I got a feeling Big Holmes gonna flip a switch and be lights out this year, beating out Schrader for RT job....call me crazy, just a hunch....

definitely wouldn't be a bad thing

[insight]

I get Matthews, I get Moore, since he went under the knife in January, heck I even get Hawley and Konz, but I find it kind of concerning that Smith, and most of all Baker, are all still unable to return to the field.

Yeah, a whole lot of unresolved injuries. Some of them occurring almost a year ago it's hard to imagine they'll be anywhere close to playing shape.

The O-Line is suspect. Scheme change plus lots of guys attempting to come back from injury doesn't bode well for Matt Ryan early in the season.

[hjerry]

Yeah, a whole lot of unresolved injuries. Some of them occurring almost a year ago it's hard to imagine they'll be anywhere close to playing shape.

The O-Line is suspect. Scheme change plus lots of guys attempting to come back from injury doesn't bode well for Matt Ryan early in the season.

As far as OL are concerned, the only recovering injuries are Hawley, Konz, and Baker, with both Hawley and Konz, with ACL tears, on track to be back for TC. Out of the three, it's only Baker that I find concerning, as he's already 9 months removed from his injury, with no signs of returning to the field. Hawley and Konz, on the other hand, should be fine.

[Clark Kent™]

I'm curious to see how the O line is going to play out.

Is Matthews gonna be full go soon?

Is Baker going to try LG or RT or both?

Is Schraeder going to solidify the RT spot?

Can Holmes actually win the RT spot?

Will Konz actually be an adequate starter in the ZBS?

How awesome would it be to have Konz and Holmes live up to their draft pick? That would be huge.

[Romfal]

Quinn is obviously mistaken.........Ha! Suck it haters.

“Paul Worrilow at inside linebacker is having a terrific offseason,” Quinn said. “I challenged the guys to have the best offseason that they’ve ever had. He is literally having that. I’d be hard-pressed to find a guy who’s going for it harder than Paul.”

Funny how both Nolan and Quinn have made comments like this but half this board claims his only a mediocre backup.

all that matters is that PFF grade

[Tuggle'2]

all that matters is that PFF grade

Well for that to matter a person has to actually take PFF seriously.

[GoodnightATL]

I'm curious to see how the O line is going to play out.

Is Matthews gonna be full go soon?

Is Baker going to try LG or RT or both?

Is Schraeder going to solidify the RT spot?

Can Holmes actually win the RT spot?

Will Konz actually be an adequate starter in the ZBS?

How awesome would it be to have Konz and Holmes live up to their draft pick? That would be huge.

Yeah, this for me is the most interesting group. I personally think that Holmes is more likely of the two... Looks like he serious this season. Maybe kicked inside to RG?

[Tuggle'2]

Yeah, this for me is the most interesting group. I personally think that Holmes is more likely of the two... Looks like he serious this season. Maybe kicked inside to RG?

It is certainly nice to see him finally show up in shape. I actually really like Holmes and want him to succeed. Not just because it helps the team either. I liked him in the draft. I wonder what it was that was said to him to get him to show up in shape this time. Why were Smitty and crew incapable of getting that out of him before...

[GoodnightATL]

It is certainly nice to see him finally show up in shape. I actually really like Holmes and want him to succeed. Not just because it helps the team either. I liked him in the draft. I wonder what it was that was said to him to get him to show up in shape this time. Why were Smitty and crew incapable of getting that out of him before...

Something along the lines of "you gonna run this season, stop eating". Smith towards the end of his tenure seemed obsessed with stronger and bigger... Some of the players seemed to take the 'bigger' thing to heart. Just idle speculation on my part

Edited May 13, 2015 by GoodnightATL

[Bobby.Digital]

I got a feeling Big Holmes gonna flip a switch and be lights out this year, beating out Schrader for RT job....call me crazy, just a hunch....

Same I've ways been a fan of Holmes. He's was bad his rookie year but improved every other year. His only issue his conditioning. As soon as he gets tired in the 2nd half his play starts slipping. I think Schrader/Baker at LG and Hawley/Stone at C.

[Herr Doktor]

Bakers knee was Peria Jerry part two. Nine months later he is still not cleared to play. He is Dimitroffs albatross for sure. That carcass is getting stanky.

[YoungHeezy]

Don't be surprised if Holmes wins the RT job.

[Dirtybird#11]

Quinn is obviously mistaken.........Ha! Suck it haters.

Paul Worrilow at inside linebacker is having a terrific offseason, Quinn said. I challenged the guys to have the best offseason that theyve ever had. He is literally having that. Id be hard-pressed to find a guy whos going for it harder than Paul.

Funny how both Nolan and Quinn have made comments like this but half this board claims his only a mediocre backup.

That's cause he is....

[ki46dinah]

Worrilow may not be the star we hoped he'd be but it's great we never have to question his work ethic.

At the very minimum, he can play several years as a special teamer/reserve LB. No fault in that either....pretty good 10 years work of paychecks for an undrafted LB out of Delaware.

But, I do think he retains starter position for the most part, based on his instincts and acceleration....just that pass coverage is woeful.

[ATLFalcons11]

Quinn is obviously mistaken.........Ha! Suck it haters.

Paul Worrilow at inside linebacker is having a terrific offseason, Quinn said. I challenged the guys to have the best offseason that theyve ever had. He is literally having that. Id be hard-pressed to find a guy whos going for it harder than Paul.

Funny how both Nolan and Quinn have made comments like this but half this board claims his only a mediocre backup.

I will preface this by saying that I'm interested in how Paul Worrilow works on this defense.

But to be fair, him being a hard worker doesn't necessarily equate to being a good player. I personally don't think he is a mediocre backup but working hard makes you BETTER, NOT good.

In the opinions of those who think he is mediocre, then I would assume that if he wasn't a hard worker then he wouldn't be in the NFL at all.

Rudy was a hard worker but he was still a bad player. He just had a moment.

Tebow is a hard worker but he is still a terrible player. Lol.

Not my opinion but just being fair.

[insight]

As far as OL are concerned, the only recovering injuries are Hawley, Konz, and Baker, with both Hawley and Konz, with ACL tears, on track to be back for TC. Out of the three, it's only Baker that I find concerning, as he's already 9 months removed from his injury, with no signs of returning to the field. Hawley and Konz, on the other hand, should be fine.

I throw Hawley, Konz and Baker and even Matthews in the wildcard category. Having 8 knee surgeries myself I know injury recovery times vary greatly based on the extent of the injury and individual.

If any of these guys had grafts if takes much longer to heal without risking re-injury. All of these guys are probably progressing within a normal range I'm not suggesting otherwise but the question is how long will it take to regain their football strength, conditioning and playing level. To think all these guys will immediately return to form by Sept is extremely optimistic in my opinion.

When you combine the injuries with a new scheme, playbook and coaching staff it is an area of concern.

Edited May 13, 2015 by insight

[Sobeit]

It is certainly nice to see him finally show up in shape. I actually really like Holmes and want him to succeed. Not just because it helps the team either. I liked him in the draft. I wonder what it was that was said to him to get him to show up in shape this time. Why were Smitty and crew incapable of getting that out of him before...

On the bubble and likely gone unless he at least tries to take it serious and improve. Sorry even if he has a good year I would rather not resign him because until this point he has not shown he cares.

Edited May 13, 2015 by Sobeit