What Falcons rookies must to do to make team

By STEVE WYCHE
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 05/14/08

Following the Falcons' mandatory minicamp last weekend, coaches and team officials said they were pleased with the performance of the 11 players selected in the April NFL draft.

It could be tough for all to make the final 53-man roster. Some could end up on the eight-man practice squad or looking for work in the fall.

Based on interviews with coaches, including head coach Mike Smith, general manager Thomas Dimitroff and other personnel officials, Falcons beat writer Steve Wyche explains what each draft pick must do to make the roster and/or earn playing time.

• Matt Ryan, quarterback: Ryan will be the starter at some point. Until then, he has to master the playbook and stay in the film room to learn schemes and tendencies of opponents. Most importantly, he needs to earn the trust of his teammates, especially once he signs his $48 million-or-so contract.

• Sam Baker, tackle: Like Ryan, Baker will be the starter at some point but it won't be awarded. He has to not only learn his plays, but he has to display the nastiness line coach Paul Boudreau demands. Baker also better have a short memory because he will take his lumps playing such a high-demand position.

• Curtis Lofton, linebacker: Has a knack for the game, which is why he can overcome lack of top-end speed to get to the ball. Once he figures out the scheme, he'll be in the starting lineup so he can establish uniformity with potentially the team's strongest unit. He could be the first rookie in the starting lineup.

• Chevis Jackson, defensive back: The potential starter at left cornerback has to get used to NFL speed and rules forbidding contact beyond five yards. His fundamentals had coaches feeling that he won't get exposed with lack of burner speed. He is a prototype Cover 2 corner who won't be left in man coverage deep downfield often.

• Harry Douglas, wide receiver: He created the biggest buzz at minicamp. There seems to be little concern that he would have rookie problems because he would not be asked to make an abundance of plays from the slot as the No. 3 wide receiver. He must not get overwhelmed with the playbook and he must hang on to the ball.

• Thomas DeCoud, defensive back: Working at both safety spots behind veterans Erik Coleman and Lawyer Milloy, DeCoud needs to watch and learn from both. A big hitter, he also needs to learn offensive tendencies so he doesn't get caught biting on play fakes.

• Robert James, outside linebacker: There actually is little depth on the strongside but he must remember he is not Michael Boley, an athletic freak that can do a variety of things. James must stick to his strengths, be physical and use his speed and leverage to his advantage.

• Kroy Biermann, defensive end: Too small to be an every down player, Biermann needs to learn NFL pass rushing techniques from John Abraham while retaining the Patrick Kerney-like relentlessness that makes him effective.

• Thomas Brown, running back: The shifty, homegrown product could emerge as the kickoff returner if he doesn't turn the ball over in preseason. He's a different type of back than No. 3 tailback Jason Snelling. If he can prove the offense would be more effective with him as a scat back than Snelling as a bruiser, Brown could have a role.

• Wilrey Fontenot, defensive back: He is at the most competitive spot on the team and he is really going to have to stand out to stick. Showing great ball skills and being steady against the run will work in his favor. He'll need to excel on special teams like David Irons, with whom he will be competing.

• Keith Zinger, tight end: There is not much depth at tight end so he could see action if there is an injury. He wasn't drafted to catch balls. If he can be a third tackle against the run and show enough athleticism to help in maximum pass protection, Zinger could be a factor.

Baker and Lofton should be week one starters.
Jackson will be seeing playing time in the nickel package in week one, Douglas might see early playing time also.
It`s anybodys guess when Ryan will emerge as starter.
The bye week would be a logical over/under betting start.