There are plenty of enticing storylines for the Falcons heading into training camp this year. The defense is coming off of a top-10 finish with even bigger goals in mind, while the offense is looking to make a leap in its second season with Steve Sarkisian as offensive coordinator.
But those are just the tip-of-the-iceberg storylines.
A majority of fans will also get their first chance to view the Falcons’ 2018 rookie class, which head coach Dan Quinn has raved about over the offseason. Wide receiver Calvin Ridley already looks like he belongs in the NFL, and cornerback Isaiah Oliver has been impressive both on and off the field. It’s unfair to highlight any one player in this class, however, because they brought a lot of energy to minicamp and already look up to speed for training camp.
For those who want to attend one of the training camp dates that are open to the public this summer, visit the Falcons’ training camp page and plan a trip up to Flowery Branch.Falcons’ wide receiver Mohamed Sanu works out with Texans’ quarterback Deshaun Watson
The former Clemson quarterback threw for 1,699 yards and 19 touchdowns in the seven games he played in.
A native of Gainsville, Ga., Watson has a special connection to the Falcons. He used to be a ball boy for the team through the Boys and Girls Club. His duties included folding towels, picking up cups and throwing passes to the wide receivers as they got warmed up, which he at the time hoped would get him ready for where he is now.
In his seventh season, Sanu has taken on more of a leadership role for the Falcons, mentoring several of the young players, including first-round pick, Calvin Ridley. Each year Sanu has been in Atlanta, his role in the offense continues to be enhanced. Sanu is coming off his best season in Atlanta, a year in which he caught 67 passes for 703 yards and five touchdowns.