Atlanta Falcons: Analysis after day one of mini-camp

The Atlanta Falcons opened up mini-camp yesterday at their Flowery Branch headquarters. There were a lot of new names that stood out during drills and activities. Dan Quinn and the coaches used the heat to add to the intensity of the practice to get the players ready for the upcoming season.

The Atlanta Falcons are coming off a year where they only went 8-8 on the season. After a successful free agent period where they signed many new names, highlighted by Alex Mack and Mohamed Sanu, they added to their lineup by drafting impact guys, most notably Keanu Neal in the first round.

Dan Quinn is in his second year as the coach of the Atlanta Falcons after coming over from Seattle. He has brought a new style that demands intensity and agility. He has added players that reflect that mentality. He has also opened mini-camp to the fans to come and see. Let’s look at who is impressing from that group at Flowery Branch.

De’vondre Campbell

Campbell was the Falcons fourth round pick in this year’s draft. He played his college ball at Minnesota and was a standout player on defense. At 6’4 and 232 pounds, Campbell is a big outside linebacker that can move sideline to sideline. He also has the ability to play in the inside on the Falcons defense.

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At mini-camp yesterday, Campbell was working with the first team defense and looking like he has studied the playbook and understands the formations and calls on the field. Campbell has the athleticism to have an impact on the field for the Atlanta Falcons this season. As long as he continues to progress, the Atlanta Falcons might have gotten a steal in the draft.

Deion Jones

Deion Jones is another linebacker that has impressed in mini-camp in the early onsets. Jones was the Falcons second round pick in the draft. At 6’2 and over 230 pounds, he is another linebacker who has the size to play three downs in the NFL. At LSU, Jones was one of the better linebackers on the team. He has the speed to chase down ball carriers and defend against the pass.

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Jones has impressed the coaching staff with his speed and ability to react well. He has also showed the coaches that even though he has added weight, he can still move well and be the inside linebacker that the Atlanta Falcons need. If Jones is able to stay healthy and continues to improve, he will find himself not only on the field in Flowery Branch, but in the Dome on Sundays.

Mini-Camp Impact

Mini-camp is a time to work on building chemistry as a team and learning the system that the coaches have put in place. It is also time for the rookies to get acclimated to their new teammates. The Falcons have a great crop of rookies and free agents that have the ability to make an impact this season.

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Deion Jones and De’vondre Campbell will be impact rookies and they will challenge for the starting roles by the end of the season. If the Falcons are going to have a successful mini-camp, the rookies and free agents will have to show that they have progressed from week to week and have the ability to make this team better.