The Atlanta Falcons just finished their final OTAs practice of 2019 that was open to reporters. It was a rainy day that forced the players inside.
Here’s eight takeaways from the team and the media.
1. Keanu Neal took the next step
First, the good news. Star defensive back Keanu Neal has taken the next step forward in his progress in recovering from the torn ACL that held him out for all but one game of last season. Today, Neal was in a helmet and gloves for the first time since his injury.
Neal was also not wearing a knee brace.
When he’s healthy, Neal is the best defensive back on the team.
2. Hooper, Ridley and Trufant did not practice
And now the bad: there were a few unexpected and notable absences from today’s practice. Tight end Austin Hooper sat out and is dealing with an ankle issue, according to ESPN.
Meanwhile, second-year wide receiver Calvin Ridley was held out with a sore foot, per the Athletic.
It’s not clear what’s going on with cornerback Desmond Trufant, but Quinn says he was excused along with Hooper.
3. Chris Lindstrom got more work with starters
First-rounders Chris Lindstrom and Kaleb McGary have mostly been working with the second-string offensive line unit so far this spring. They have gotten some reps with the starters, though.
Lindstrom opened today’s practice with the ones.
Center Alex Mack came away impressed with Lindstrom’s work.
Lindstrom played right guard at Boston College and that’s where he will play in 2019. He may eventually replace Mack at center, though.
4. Marcus Green saw work on punt returns
Perhaps the most versatile weapon the Falcons got in this year’s draft class was sixth-round pick Marcus Green. On offense, he’s an effective dual threat receiver or running back.
Green is also a dynamic kickoff and punt returner, which is what he worked on for a portion of today’s practice.
Green will have to earn it, but he projects as the team’s new return specialist.
5. Mohamed Sanu says OC transition going smooth
The Falcons face two major offensive questions this offseason. The first is if they can effectively rebuild their offensive line. So far they’ve done that, at least on paper. The other is how the unit will transition to new leadership under a different offensive coordinator.
Wide receiver Mohamed Sanu says it’s gone pretty smooth so far under on again, off again OC Dirk Koetter.
Koetter previously served as Atlanta’s offensive coordinator from 2012-2014.
6. No Julio Jones or Grady Jarrett, and that’s fine
Sanu also gave an update on the team’s greatest athlete. While he hasn’t been around at practice, Sanu says he spoke with Julio Jones recently and he’s doing pretty great.
Defensive tackle Grady Jarrett has not attended (voluntary) OTAs, either. Coach Dan Quinn said he has a great relationship with him, though.
Jones and Jarrett are both negotiating long-term deals with the team.
7. Ra’Shede Hageman draws praise
One of the more interesting stories of this offseason is defensive tackle Ra’Shede Hageman, who was re-signed after being released two years ago. Hageman has been saying all the right things and apparently has caught the eye of his coaches. Quinn says Hageman is off to a good start.
The Falcons were reported to be meeting with Allen Bailey yesterday, so the team probably isn’t done adding defensive linemen. For now, Hageman stands a decent shot to make the 53-man roster given his experience and their relative lack of depth up front defensively.
8. Next up: mandatory minicamp
The next phase of Atlanta’s offseason program begins next Tuesday with mandatory minicamp. As the name implies, players are expected to be there. While Quinn recently said he does not know for sure if Jarrett will show up, he does expect everyone there.
Players can be fined escalating amounts for each day they do not attend.
