The Atlanta Falcons held their first rookie minicamp practice of 2019 on Friday in Flowery Branch.
In case you missed it, here’s six things we learned from the media.
McGary has his priorities straight
It’s never easy going from college to the pros, no matter how talented you are. Remember, Peyton Manning threw more interceptions than touchdowns his first year in the league. Navigating the massive gulf in competition and athleticism is only one part of the most difficult transition in sports. Another major part is avoided boneheaded rookie mistakes.
Offensive tackle Kaleb McGary had the right idea for his first day of work in the NFL. He told reporters he was just trying not to look like an idiot.
McGary credited the similarities between Washington’s zone scheme and Atlanta’s for helping him avoid that.
The Falcons supposedly reached for McGary at No. 31 and gave up a lot to get there, as well. He’ll have to play very well at right tackle to justify the pick.
Matt Ryan reached out to Lindstrom
McGary needs to produce but the most important newcomer is unquestionably first-round pick Chris Lindstrom, who played at Boston College just like his quarterback.
Lindstrom says Matt Ryan has already reached out to talk to him.
Lindstrom projects as a right guard for now, but when Alex Mack retires there’s a good chance he will slide inside to center, so this will be a critical long-term relationship for Atlanta’s offense.
Cominsky will play DT and DE, gain some weight
The Falcons’ big sleeper pick this year came in the fourth round when they chose the Division II standout John Cominsky from Charleston. While he’s listed as and expected to mostly play defensive end, Cominsky is also going to see some time at defensive tackle.
He’s already putting some work in at the spot.
That versatility will be critical for the Falcons’ defensive line rotation. Jack Crawford is the only other guy on the roster who can play either spot well.
Cominsky also says he has no problem putting on 10-15 pounds.
Promising as Cominsky looks, he’s actually incorrect on this point. There are in fact no better food choices than pizza.
Ollison flashes first
As for the action on the field, the first rookie to flash was former Pittsburgh running back Qadree Ollison. According to several accounts, Ollison showed a lot of burst. He was also the subject of the featured highlight of the day on Twitter.
Ollison projects as the third running back on the depth chart behind Ito Smith and Devonta Freeman. It would not be surprising at all if he moves up fast, though.
Green is out until OTAs
There are a couple very minor injury issues to report. The most significant is for sixth-round pick Marcus Green, who has a strained hamstring and did not participate in Friday’s practice.
Green is expected to be back on the field in time for OTAs, according to head coach Dan Quinn.
Green played mostly wide receiver and kick returner in college, but he’s also expected to see some time at running back.
Sheffield plays the slot, wants to return kicks
Last but not least, Ohio State corner Kendall Sheffield put in some time at slot cornerback, while Washington’s Jordan Miller stayed outside.
Sheffield also told reporters he wants to return punts and kickoffs.
Sheffield was one of six players in the mix for those roles. One slight hiccup: Sheffield has a pectoral injury and is being limited for now.
