The Atlanta Falcons had an OTA (organized team activity) that was open to the media. Obviously, I was out at Tampa Bay’s session and can’t be in two places at once, so let’s turn to the links to check in on the Falcons:
First-round draft choice Marcus Trufant isn’t at OTAs because he’s finishing school at the University of Washington. But the team is using technology to try to keep Trufant up to speed. He has been videoconferencing with coaches and teammates. That might not be ideal. But the Falcons are making the most of the situation and doing everything in their power to make sure Trufant has a feel for the defense by the start of training camp. That's significant because the Falcons are expecting Trufant to be one of their starting cornerbacks.
According to several reports wide receiver Roddy White and tight end Tony Gonzalez were not at Wednesday’s session. They’re both veterans so I doubt they’re missing out on very much.
Rookie linebacker Brian Banks is doing perhaps the smartest thing he can. He’s using veteran linebacker Sean Weatherspoon as his mentor. Weatherspoon is the heart and soul of Atlanta’s defense and he should be able to help Banks with the learning curve.
