The Atlanta Falcons just wrapped up their first practice of offseason team activities for 2019 that was open to the media.
Here’s nine takeaways from the team and the reporters who were there.
1. A rumble in the trenches
The big headline of the day was the scuffle between defensive end Takkarist McKinley and tight end Luke Stocker, who got into a skirmish after Stocker stood Takk up during a drill.
Some reporters expressed concern that the incident could possibly draw a fine from the NFL, as these practices are supposed to be non-contact.
In any case, this is entirely not a big deal.
2. Devonta Freeman is back
For the first time in a very long time, we got to see starting running back Devonta Freeman on the practice field. Here’s a few clips of Freeman going through drills with Matt Ryan and his other teammates.
Freeman missed all but two games last season with an assortment of lower body injuries.
Without their best rusher available, the run game fell of significantly. Atlanta finished the season ranked No. 22 in rushing efficiency, according to Football Outsiders.
3. No Vic Beasley, Deion Jones or Adrian Clayborn
Former NFL sack champion Vic Beasley was one of several key players who did not attend today’s voluntary practice.
Coach Dan Quinn told reporters he expects him back by minicamp.
Beasley has had a rough two years since his breakout 2016 campaign. Atlanta fielded trade offers for him around the deadline last year, and he’s still a good candidate to be moved. The team can save nearly $13 million in cap room by trading him.
Deion Jones and Adrian Clayborn were also absent, but excused.
4. No deals yet for Julio Jones, Grady Jarrett
While nobody is going to miss Beasley much, there are two star players who fans will want to keep updated on. Neither Julio Jones nor Grady Jarrett have showed up so far, as expected.
Jarrett and Jones are still negotiating long-term deals with the team.
Jarrett has signed his franchise tag and will play for $15.2 million this year if a deal can’t be reached by mid-July.
As for Jones, he’s expected to sign a revised contract that will make him the highest paid receiver in the league. Jones currently does not rank in the top 10 in annual salary at his position.
5. Kaleb McGary gets time with starters
The Falcons invested a lot in their offensive line in the draft, using two first-rounders on Chris Lindstrom and Kaleb McGary.
Lindstrom was part of the second-string unit at right guard, while Jamon Brown worked with the ones.
However, McGary eventually got some time in with the starters, replacing Ty Sambrailo at right tackle.
Quinn has previously named Sambrailo the starter, but it’s certainly possible that McGary could overtake him before Week 1.
6. Mohamed Sanu, Calvin Ridley shine
With the team’s top wide receiver missing in action, Atlanta got to see more of their next two guys on the depth chart.
Here’s a look at Sanu and Ridley making plays with Matt Ryan.
A recent report suggested the Falcons were considering trading Sanu for a third-round pick, but ultimately changed their minds because they considered him too valuable.
7. Isaiah Oliver takes Robert Alford’s place
Moving over to the other side of the ball, the Falcons have a couple new faces at cornerback. We don’t know what Kendall Sheffield and Jordan Miller’s roles will be as of yet, but it sounds like they won’t start outside.
Desmond Trufant was spotted at left cornerback as usual, while last year’s second-round pick Isaiah Oliver took Robert Alford’s old place on the right side.
Neither Trufant nor Oliver had a great 2018 season. The Falcons will need both to have bounce-back years or their passing defense is going to suffer a lot.
8. Damontae Kazee moves to nickel
With Ricardo Allen out for the year, the Falcons desperately needed someone to step up at free safety last season. Damontae Kazee answered the call and played extremely well.
This year, Kazee has been projected to move over to the nickel corner spot, replacing Brian Poole. It sounds like that work has begun.
Kazee may also see time at safety, depending on the team’s needs. Allen and Keanu Neal are still working their way back from their injuries.
9. A crowded returner competition
One of the more interesting position battles to follow this offseason will be at kick returner.
While sixth-round pick Marcus Green is the favorite, Atlanta has several other good candidates to choose from. Those options include Kenjon Barner, Kendall Sheffield and Olamide Zacchaeus.
This has been a sore point on special teams for a while. Last year, the Falcons averaged just 22.2 yards per kick return and seven on punts.
