For the first time in his three years as Atlanta Falcons head coach, Mike Smith hosted newly-acquired rookies for a four-day minicamp. The practices took place on May 17-18 and 20-21 at Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch.
DRAFTEES MEET …
Of course the biggest name of the participants is first-round pick Sean Weatherspoon. But the camp also gave the coaching staff a chance to work with a host of other first-year players that they acquired via the draft and free agency.
Among them is fifth rounder Dominique Franks, a wild card in a secondary that will look very different than last year’s version. The Oklahoma alum nailed down all-Big 12 selections in his final two seasons as a Sooner, covering the likes of Michael Crabtree and Dez Bryant during that time. The 6-foot, 192-pound Franks left OU after his junior season, and most draft experts believed he was a sure-fire first rounder had he stuck around for one more year.
There were some questions about his technique and mental fortitude in the pre-draft process. But if he can make up ground in those areas and learn the defense quickly, he could easily be competing for playing time with the likes of Brent Grimes and Chris Owens come training camp.
Another intriguing prospect is Kerry Meier, who left the University of Kansas as one of the most decorated players in the program’s history. A fine athlete, Meier’s college career began under center for Mark Mangino’s team, as he set a KU freshman record by throwing for 13 touchdowns to go along with 1,193 yards in eight starts. He would lose the job the following season to Todd Reesing, and was quickly moved to receiver as a sophomore where he had an instant impact.
Meier’s junior and senior seasons were something to write home about as he totaled 199 catches, 2,030 yards and 16 touchdowns. Despite spending just two full years at wideout, that was enough to set the school record for receptions, and also is eighth in Big 12 history. Like Franks, Meier has a chance to make some noise as he adjusts to the NFL.
Also participating in the camp will be offensive lineman Mike Johnson, versatile UNLV lineman Joe Hawley and former Montana safety Shann Schillinger.
IN THE COMMUNITY …
Smith was busy off the field during the minicamp as well, hosting his Huddle Up for Miracles dinner on May 17 at the Capital Grille in Buckhead. The event raises money for the Children’s Miracle Network, which benefits Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The dinner, which raised $194,000 last year, also featured close to 40 Falcons players.
"It’s exciting to come together as a team and help an extremely worthy cause," he said. "Following the success of last year’s event, I have even higher expectations this year."
Meanwhile, defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux received an award for his excessive volunteer work with children in homeless shelters and foster homes over the past year. Babineaux received the award at the 18th Annual Celebration of Excellence, a ceremony that honors the achievements of the state’s foster care youth in education.
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