1. Chris Lindstrom gets time with the ones
Atlanta’s No. 1 pick this year has mostly played with the second-string offensive line unit at OTAs so far.
While Chris Lindstrom and Kaleb McGary are still mostly playing behind Jamon Brown and Ty Sambrailo, yesterday Lindstrom finally got to play some reps with the starters and looked good, according to Vaughn McClure at ESPN.
Lindstrom is still projected to start at right guard. McGary may need more time to develop before he’s ready to run at right tackle in a live game.
2. Secondary rotation taking shape
We now have a much better idea of how the team plans to rotate its defensive backs this coming season.
According to Jason Butt at the Athletic, Atlanta’s projected starters on the outside Desmond Trufant and Isaiah Oliver are both putting in time at left and right cornerback.
Meanwhile, Damontae Kazee is indeed taking over at the first-team nickel corner position. Fourth-round pick Kendall Sheffield will be his backup.
At safety, Ricardo Allen and Keanu Neal are still rehabbing from their injuries. At strong safety, J.J. Wilcox appears to be the favorite to hold the spot until Neal’s return. At free safety, undrafted free agent Chris Cooper is splitting time with Sharrod Neasman.
Cooper notably signed a two-year deal back in April, which could mean the Falcons see more in him than your average UDFA signing.
3. Takk does a good Marshawn Lynch impression
Defensive end Takk McKinley has made as many headlines this year as any player at OTAs. For one, McKinley got into a scuffle with tight end Luke Stocker last week. He’s also slimmed down and is putting in some time at linebacker.
Yesterday, Takk spoke with reporters. He made it clear he was not a huge fan of the idea and offered a pretty good impression of Marshawn Lynch dealing with the media.
4. Calvin Ridley says he’s faster
Another player who has stood out at OTAs is second-year wide receiver Calvin Ridley, who drew a lot of praise from coaches on Thursday.
Coach Dan Quinn says Ridley has improved his aggressiveness in going after the ball.
For what it’s worth, Ridley says that he’s playing faster than he did last season as a rookie.
Sometimes it takes two or three seasons for a pro wide receiver to really catch up to the speed at this level. Ridley came into the NFL much more polished than your average rookie, though.
If the game is truly slowing down for Ridley already, he has some nightmarish potential.
5. Devonta Freeman is really back
Last but not least, it sounds like Atlanta’s top RB is back and not just in name only.
McClure says Devonta Freeman looks like his old self and is showing the bounce again that’s been missing for a while. His burst in particular stood out on screen passes.
Based on how he’s used running backs in the past, Freeman could have a massive role in Dirk Koetter’s offense. If he can stay healthy, that is.
