Looks Like Face Eater Lindstrom Has Been Recognized As A Leader

[Tim Mazetti 11,155]

Takeaways: Falcons’ draft picks lead way in first rookie minicamp practice

Will McFadden

AtlantaFalcons.com

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – Under a cloudy Friday afternoon sky with the sun occasionally peeking through, the Atlanta Falcons took to the field for their first rookie minicamp practice of the offseason.

The practice session provided coaches with their first opportunity to work directly with the Falcons’ rookie class, guiding them through a number of non-contact individual and group drills. This is the opportunity for draft picks, college free agents and tryout invitees to make a strong first impression on Atlanta’s coaching staff and earn a role with the team.

Here are some of the notable takeaways and observations from Friday’s practice session.

Falcons had their first-round picks working side-by-side

Right from the jump, first-round picks Chris Lindstrom and Kaleb McGary were working next to one another at right guard and right tackle, respectively. The two worked with the first-team offensive line throughout the afternoon, and they worked in tandem on double-team drills.

Both players seemed to fit right in, showing a combination of power, speed and control while making their blocks and moving in space.

There was plenty of room to run on offense

The Falcons’ first 11-on-11 period began in explosive fashion. On the first play, fifth-round draft pick Qadree Ollison took the handoff, made one man miss and hit a crease on the left side of the offensive line for a big gain.

After Ollison’s big play, former Oregon running back Tony Brooks-James subbed in an found a big crease on the right side of the line behind Lindstrom and McGary. Brooks-James showed off some major speed, going untouched down the right sideline. He broke free later in practice on a run up the middle, once again showcasing the speed to run away from defenders.

It was a good day overall for the running backs.

Miller working on the outside, Sheffield in the slot

Following the draft, the Falcons said they would look at using fifth-round pick Jordan Miller on the outside at cornerback and using fourth-round pick Kendall Sheffield inside at nickel. On the first day of minicamp, that appeared to still be the plan.

Miller got a lot of work at left cornerback throughout practice, working with the first-team unit, and Sheffield was mostly operating at nickel. After practice, coach Dan Quinn said Sheffield only received work during individual drills. He is recovering from a torn pec muscle that he sustained during the NFL Combine.

Sixth-round pick Marcus Green held out with injury

Another player who was sidelined due to an injury was running back Marcus Green, the Falcons’ sixth-round draft pick. Quinn explained the Green is dealing with a strained hamstring, but that he was able to participate in the team’s walkthrough drills prior to practice. Green figures to be a primary contender for the Falcons’ return duties during training camp, but it does not appear he will see the field during rookie minicamp.

Cominsky gets work on the outside, inside of the defensive line

One of the more fascinating players fans will want to watch in the coming months is defensive lineman John Cominsky. A former quarterback, Cominsky gained some serious weight throughout his career at Charleston, and he definitely looks the part of an NFL defensive lineman.

While viewed as an end coming out of college, Cominsky slid inside to defensive tackle at times in the Falcons’ nickel packages, something he also did at Charleston.

Six players back to return punts, including Sheffield

During the early part of practice, the Falcons had six players back to return punts. Those players were wide receivers Shawn Bane, Shun Brown, Devin Gray and Olamide Zaccheaus; running back Tony Brooks-James and cornerback Kendall Sheffield.

Although he was not a returner at Ohio State, the Falcons said Sheffield would get a look in the role, which makes sense given how fast he is. Because the team is not allowed to undergo contact in drills, the Falcons had their returners wear flags around their wastes.

Lindstrom led players in stretches

Chris Lindstrom assumed an early leadership role, leading the players during the last part of the team stretch and then breaking down the huddle prior to the start of practice.

Other notes and observations

• Former Virginia receiver Olamide Zaccheaus scored a touchdown during 7-on-9 drills.
• Defensive tackle Jacob Tuioti-Mariner was consistently the first off the line during position drills.
• The Falcons’ tight ends were getting a lot of looks operating at fullback.
• Former Georgia wide receiver Jayson Stanley worked with the second-team defense at cornerback.

[RubberDucky 5,082]

1 hour ago, Tim Mazetti said:

Takeaways: Falcons’ draft picks lead way in first rookie minicamp practice

Although he was not a returner at Ohio State, the Falcons said Sheffield would get a look in the role, which makes sense given how fast he is. Because the team is not allowed to undergo contact in drills, the Falcons had their returners wear flags around their wastes.

 

I cant wait to see some posters' comments to this.

[Tim Mazetti 11,155]

16 minutes ago, RubberDucky said:

I cant wait to see some posters' comments to this.

I will be first. wastes?  Pronounced waste es.

Those flags are hard to grab. It's all in the anticipation.

Just don't wastes the opportunity. Dive for the wastes.

[octoslash 14,762]

I'll be second.  

Waists.  

[droopy1592 7,152]

Y’all are waisting your time 

[octoslash 14,762]

Wastes! 

[ATLFalcons11 4,191]

Jordan Miller getting a significant amount of time at LCB may be the start of 2 offseasons worth of preparation for him to take over for Trufant next season.

If thay significant distinction of him practicing at LCB continues, then that would truly be the writing on the wall.

[LightningDawg58 1,296]

21 minutes ago, ATLFalcons11 said:

Jordan Miller getting a significant amount of time at LCB may be the start of 2 offseasons worth of preparation for him to take over for Trufant next season.

If thay significant distinction of him practicing at LCB continues, then that would truly be the writing on the wall.

True, its also writing that RCB will be open competition between several players and LCB will be strictly Trufant with Miller as his backup. NIckel will be Kazee and Sheffield as back up. But with Kazee, he has potential to overtake Oliver at RCB, so Sheffield is in a more prime position to get playing time, meanwhile Miller is only seeing the field if Tru cant go

[ATLFalcons11 4,191]

42 minutes ago, LightningDawg58 said:

True, its also writing that RCB will be open competition between several players and LCB will be strictly Trufant with Miller as his backup. NIckel will be Kazee and Sheffield as back up. But with Kazee, he has potential to overtake Oliver at RCB, so Sheffield is in a more prime position to get playing time, meanwhile Miller is only seeing the field if Tru cant go

I can't see them placing Kazee outside

[CTann 2,380]

Yeah, I also don’t see Kazee as an outside guy. Miller will eventually be a starter on this team. Underrated guy for sure. Lindstrom, McGary, and Miller are the 3 guys from this draft class who I believe will for sure be starters eventually. 

[falconfreek123 236]

Face eater?

Really?

Cmon

[tywreezy33 197]

Glad to hear Lindstrom is taking charge. Typically it takes time for O-Lineman to develop in the NFL, but I'm excited about this one. There's going to be a serious battle between Ty and Kaleb in training camp. May the best man win. Either way, we finally have some depth at guard and tackle. Mack's replacement is still up in the air and I hope he can stay healthy for a few years, although we need to think about signing his replacement. As far as the DB situation, I'm excited to see the competition in camp. I'm also very happy with the potential of our running backs. Several very talented players with different skill sets. This should be an exciting year!

[gazoo 19,558]

He can return it all day long, I ain’t grabbing no bodily waste!

[TheFatboi 27,924]

3 hours ago, LightningDawg58 said:

True, its also writing that RCB will be open competition between several players and LCB will be strictly Trufant with Miller as his backup. NIckel will be Kazee and Sheffield as back up. But with Kazee, he has potential to overtake Oliver at RCB, so Sheffield is in a more prime position to get playing time, meanwhile Miller is only seeing the field if Tru cant go

Can’t see Kazee moving outside. Quinn likes the outside corners long. Oliver is 6’1. Miller is 6’1. That’s the future at corner when they part ways with Tru. RCB is Oliver’s. 

[ki46dinah 1,704]

Why wasnt Green on returns?

[Geneaut 5,945]

3 hours ago, ki46dinah said:

Why wasnt Green on returns?

Nursing a hammy

[Tim Mazetti 11,155]

6 hours ago, falconfreek123 said:

Face eater?

Really?

Cmon

Thats what Cominsky called him.