Tim Mazetti Posted May 13, 2019 Share Posted May 13, 2019 Will McFadden AtlantaFalcons.com https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/falcons-rookie-minicamp-5-standouts-on-offense-including-one-who-landed-a-contra FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – The Atlanta Falcons held their two rookie minicamp practices last week, providing players fresh out of college their first glimpse of life in the NFL. Falcons coach Dan Quinn seemed overall pleased with what he saw from the players, but this was just one small part of their journey to making the squad for this fall. Some of the rookies made bigger impressions than others out on the field; a select number were clear standouts. Looking back on our first taste of Falcons football for 2019, we’re going to reflect on the offensive and defensive players who really caught our eye at minicamp, starting with the offense (in no specific order). RB Tony Brooks-James No player had more attention-grabbing moments during rookie minicamp than running back Tony Brooks-James. The former Oregon Duck was rewarded for his performance with a contract offer from the team. On both Friday and Saturday Brooks-James had breakaway runs that showcased his vision and noteworthy speed. He was also among the six players who returned punts on the first day of practice, and he had experience in that role in college. OG Chris Lindstrom The Falcons’ first pick in this year’s draft led the team in a breakdown after stretches on the first day of practice and looked comfortable going through the drills. Chris Lindstrom did have a shaky moment or two during Saturday’s practice, but he helped the offensive ground game get going in 11-on-11 drills. Praised for his athleticism, leadership and consistency, Lindstrom demonstrated all three qualities during his first time on the field with the Falcons. OT Kaleb McGary Like Lindstrom, Kaleb McGary, the Falcons’ second draft pick in the first round, looked as advertised. At 6-foot-7 and 317 pounds, McGary displayed nice athleticism and was utilized often in double teams with Lindstrom on the right side of Atlanta’s offensive line. The Falcons had their two first-round picks side by side for the majority of minicamp, and the comfort the two showed playing alongside each other was encouraging. RB Qadree Ollison While he didn’t have as many clear breakaway runs as Brooks-James, Ollison clearly operated in the No. 1 running back role for the duration of minicamp. The first man up in all of the drills, Ollison showed nice patience when finding the hole and even displayed some smooth agility in small spaces. The Falcons haven’t been shy about saying they wanted to add some power to their backfield, and Ollison can do just that. But his size, vision and footwork are all reasons why he could eventually grow into a bigger role with the team. QB Kurt Benkert Back for his second rookie minicamp after spending last season on the practice squad, Kurt Benkert looked pretty polished and comfortable. Now, don’t go thinking Benkert is about to unseat Matt Ryan or supplant Matt Schaub in the quarterback pecking order, but his growth was apparent. Benkert took on a leadership role among those at minicamp, and he threw some really nice balls, especially while on the move. For a lot of young players, improvement is the goal, and Benkert showed improvement in a few different areas. Cole World, ⚡Slumerican⚡, FalconsIn2012 and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
falcons007 Posted May 13, 2019 Share Posted May 13, 2019 Falcons are stunting Benkert’s Growth so Ryan could be starter. Dukeduke211, MD-FalconFan13, Vandy and 26 others 29 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MasterBateser Posted May 13, 2019 Share Posted May 13, 2019 4 minutes ago, falcons007 said: Falcons are stunting Benkert’s Growth so Ryan could be starter. It's sick really. falcons007, Vandy, papachaz and 3 others 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAD597 Posted May 13, 2019 Share Posted May 13, 2019 We look pretty stacked at RB, glad since we won't be able to rely on Freeman to stay healthy, hope we just cut him and move on ryanadonis and nomak 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MasterBateser Posted May 13, 2019 Share Posted May 13, 2019 1 minute ago, MAD597 said: We look pretty stacked at RB, glad since we won't be able to rely on Freeman to stay healthy, hope we just cut him and move on Can't cut him Tim Mazetti 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gee-Q Posted May 13, 2019 Share Posted May 13, 2019 17 minutes ago, falcons007 said: Falcons are stunting Benkert’s Growth so Ryan could be starter. Cool story bruh... falcons007 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nomak Posted May 13, 2019 Share Posted May 13, 2019 17 minutes ago, falcons007 said: Falcons are stunting Benkert’s Growth so Ryan could be starter. Pizzes me off... slick0ne, falcons007 and MasterBateser 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Mazetti Posted May 13, 2019 Author Share Posted May 13, 2019 11 minutes ago, MAD597 said: We look pretty stacked at RB, glad since we won't be able to rely on Freeman to stay healthy, hope we just cut him and move on 11 minutes ago, MAD597 said: We look pretty stacked at RB, glad since we won't be able to rely on Freeman to stay healthy, hope we just cut him and move on 11 minutes ago, Yo_Lover said: Can't cut him Yep overpaid him. Pacific_Falcon and ⚡Slumerican⚡ 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheap Talk Posted May 13, 2019 Share Posted May 13, 2019 18 minutes ago, falcons007 said: Falcons are stunting Benkert’s Growth so Ryan could be starter. You never know, the 3rd string QB is just a couple of unexpected injuries away from taking center stage. Or if Ryan gets hurt, and Schaub comes in and stinks the place up. The Falcons have had incredible luck with Ryan's health so far in his career, so we are not used to thinking this way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoomGoesTheDynamite Posted May 13, 2019 Share Posted May 13, 2019 That Brooks-James dude had some sick college highlights and I really like the Ollison pickup. The RB competition is gonna be great imo. falcons007, HouseofEuphoria, Cole World and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MasterBateser Posted May 13, 2019 Share Posted May 13, 2019 21 minutes ago, Gee-Q said: Cool story bruh... Knight of God, falcons007, NWFALCON and 8 others 11 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoomGoesTheDynamite Posted May 13, 2019 Share Posted May 13, 2019 Seriously though, for the Falcons to offer Brooks-James a contract during rookie mini camp, he must have REALLY impressed. Has preseason started yet? Tim Mazetti 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
falconidae Posted May 13, 2019 Share Posted May 13, 2019 26 minutes ago, Gee-Q said: Cool story bruh... Haven't been on the boards long enough to get the reference? Knight of God, FalconsIn2012 and falcons007 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
falcons007 Posted May 13, 2019 Share Posted May 13, 2019 59 minutes ago, Gee-Q said: Cool story bruh... 38 minutes ago, Yo_Lover said: 33 minutes ago, falconidae said: Haven't been on the boards long enough to get the reference? Monolith2001, Knight of God and MasterBateser 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeardyMan Posted May 13, 2019 Share Posted May 13, 2019 (edited) Brooks-James as well as the rest of the RB’s make me feel more at ease (if Freeman can’t play through a complete season again) Edited May 13, 2019 by Biscuits&Gravy Tim Mazetti 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gold4425 Posted May 13, 2019 Share Posted May 13, 2019 Good to hear about Benkert. I was hoping we'd draft a late round or UDFA QB like Minschew, Rypien, Fitzgerald or Jackson. But we didn't so it is important to me that Benkert develops. Tim Mazetti 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gazoo Posted May 13, 2019 Share Posted May 13, 2019 1 hour ago, Biscuits&Gravy said: Brooks-James as well as the rest of the RB’s make me feel more at ease (if Freeman can’t play through a complete season again) Oregon's GPS tracking system recorded Brooks-James as fast as 22 mph, and not on a track or even in practice -- that was in game action! That's almost Tevin Coleman level top speed. He also ran a hand timed 4.45 40 for scouts on campus. Tim Mazetti, Knight of God, ShadyRef and 3 others 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Mazetti Posted May 13, 2019 Author Share Posted May 13, 2019 13 minutes ago, Gold4425 said: Good to hear about Benkert. I was hoping we'd draft a late round or UDFA QB like Minschew, Rypien, Fitzgerald or Jackson. But we didn't so it is important to me that Benkert develops. I am wondering how safe he is being relegated to the PS again with the progress he has made. I guess the FO isn't too worried. And as a side note, the Bucs brought in Testaverde's son for a look. https://www.tampabay.com/sports/bucs/2019/05/11/familiar-name-different-game-vincent-testaverde-jr-looking-to-make-a-name-for-himself-in-bucs-rookie-minicamp/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeardyMan Posted May 13, 2019 Share Posted May 13, 2019 25 minutes ago, gazoo said: Oregon's GPS tracking system recorded Brooks-James as fast as 22 mph, and not on a track or even in practice -- that was in game action! That's almost Tevin Coleman level top speed. He also ran a hand timed 4.45 40 for scouts on campus. The Atlanta Falcons might have something really special with Brooks-James. Tim Mazetti, gazoo and Knight of God 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
falconsd56 Posted May 13, 2019 Share Posted May 13, 2019 3 hours ago, falcons007 said: Falcons are stunting Benkert’s Growth so Ryan could be starter. It really is Dom Davis all over again. We should just trade Ryan for Jake Locker strait up and move on! falcons007, Tim Mazetti, JDaveG and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
falconsd56 Posted May 13, 2019 Share Posted May 13, 2019 13 minutes ago, Biscuits&Gravy said: The Atlanta Falcons might have something really special with Brooks-James. I normally do not get too excited about UDFA.............. but He has my attention BeardyMan, Tim Mazetti, MasterBateser and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Mazetti Posted May 14, 2019 Author Share Posted May 14, 2019 1 hour ago, falconsd56 said: I normally do not get too excited about UDFA.............. but He has my attention He was signed. No longer an UDFA, as you may know. Knight of God 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonDaLuvMaker Posted May 14, 2019 Share Posted May 14, 2019 4 hours ago, falcons007 said: Falcons are stunting Benkert’s Growth so Ryan could be starter. Where is good ole #1 Pick nowadays? I'm sure he's around here somewhere as a "new" poster. falcons007 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoomGoesTheDynamite Posted May 14, 2019 Share Posted May 14, 2019 1 hour ago, falconsd56 said: We should just trade Ryan for Jake Locker Glad those days are behind us Tim Mazetti and Rings 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
papachaz Posted May 14, 2019 Share Posted May 14, 2019 5 hours ago, Gee-Q said: Cool story bruh... you haven't been around long enough to fully appreciate those comments about stunting his growth.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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