FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Rookie Curtis Lofton played middle and outside linebacker at the University of Oklahoma but worked primarily as a middle linebacker in his first mini camp with the Falcons. Of course, that's not to say he wouldn't welcome a chance to play on the outside.
"I prefer inside but I played outside previously in my career," he said Monday. "But wherever coach puts me is where I'm going to play."
The second-round pick's experience at middle linebacker allows the Falcons to do some tinkering on defense, particularly when it comes to moving Pro Bowl linebacker Keith Brooking to weak side linebacker.
Lofton said he's learned plenty from Brooking in just three short days of practice and plans to mimic everything about the veteran's game. For now, however, Lofton will take some time off and study the play book.
"It's a whirlwind," he said. "It's all about processing, learning to adapt and seeing how smart you are. It's definitely kind of overwhelming but a lot of fun... They throw everything on you at once. As soon as you see it you have to go out to practice and do it."
Head Coach Mike Smith said Monday the team will work Brooking and Lofton on the outside before the start of Training Camp.
"I thought Keith did a nice job there at the (weak side) linebacker," Smith said. "In his career he's probably played there more than he did as a (middle) linebacker. What we want to do in this defense is create as much flexibility as we can."
RECEIVER ROUNDUP: Wide receiver Roddy White was held out of practice Monday after a slight hamstring problem Sunday afternoon.
"Roddy tweaked his hamstring," Smith said. "It's just precautionary. We don't want to put ourselves in a position with a guy this time of year that may hurt himself more by going out there."
White said he's been working hard to stay healthy with the offseason weight program and looks forward to building on his career season from 2007.
"I'm getting a lot more comfortable," he said. "I just have to go out there and continue to work hard and continue to get better every day. If you ain't getting better, you're getting worse."
BULLDOG REPORT: Rookie running back Thomas Brown, like all first-year players, wasn't sure what to think after his first mini camp as a professional.
"I think I'm adjusting pretty good," the former Georgia Bulldog said Monday. "The first day I was extremely nervous -- it's the first time you're out here competing against guys you grew up watching. But, after you get that confidence under you, it kind of slows down."
As is usually the case in Falcons camp, Brown has several Georgia grads to help guide him.
Tight end Martrez Milner had a nice mini camp making several catches and perhaps emerging as the team's main receiving threat at his position. Quarterback D.J. Schokley, who is recovering from a torn knee ligament, was limited to one-on-one drills this week.
"I did a lot of the individual group work," said Shockly, who will take fan questions on AtlantaFalcons.com Wednesday afternoon. "They still try to keep me out of the team work just in case anyone was to fall on my leg. As the summer goes on we're going to progressively do more and more and by the time Training Camp gets here it'll be full go."
Shockley said he's enjoyed working with new offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey.
"I know it's a process I've got to go through and I'm looking forward to it," he said. "The first couple of days they threw a lot at us but I'm learning..."
RYAN'S HOPE: Five practices into his career, and Falcons first-rounder Matt Ryan says he's growing more comfortable with his new football team.
He spent his small amount of free time over the weekend working on the play book and offensive schemes and says his decision-making on the field will be the next step in his development.
"I think decision making (is something I need to work out)," he said. "These guys are fast. You just get used to the speed and I'll continue to work with Coach Mularkey and Coach (Bill) Musgrave, get in the film room and watch tape and hopefully that translates out here on the field."
Smith said quarterbacks will fight for positions through the offseason, including Ryan.
"We're going to let them go out and compete," Smith said. "I will say this; the quarterback position is probably one of the more difficult positions to make the transition. But if anybody can do it I think Matt is the type of guy that can."
FAN NUMBERS: More than 2,500 fans attended the three open practices over the weekend. One practice was closed due to inclement weather.
ROSTER MOVE: The Falcons announced the release of cornerback C.J. Gaddis Monday afternoon, parting ways with a player that finished last year on the team's practice squad.
Gaddis was selected in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. He had a great junior season at Clemson, posting 37 tackles, two interceptions, three passes defensed and two forced fumbles. He played both safety and corner in three years with the Tigers. Gaddis was also a 20th round selection of the Seattle Mariners in 2003 and played baseball at Clemson until the 2004 season.
TRYOUT PLAYERS: Eight players worked out during the team's three-day mini camp with hopes of landing a position on the roster. Those players, which are listed here, met with Smith this morning to discuss their futures. If the team elects to sign any of them, fans can see them on the field next Monday for the first round of organized team activities.
MORE FROM MINI CAMP:
SATURDAY MAY 10, 2008
- NOTEBOOK: Ryan glad first practice in the books
- QUOTABLE: Quarterback Matt Ryan
- J. MIKE'S MISSIVES: Baker Has Family Support
- PHOTOS: Snapshots from Mini Camp
- AUDIO: Tackle Sam Baker
- VIDEO: Coach Mike Smith | David Baker | Matt Ryan | Michael Turner | Michael Boley
SUNDAY MAY 11, 2008
- VIDEO: Todd McClure | Jonathan Babineaux
- PHOTOS: Snapshots from Mini Camp
- J. MIKE'S MISSIVES: Got Wallpapers? | Mini Camp Tryouts | Helping Hands | Windy Afternoon
MONDAY MAY 12, 2008
- NOTEBOOK: Falcons close three-day mini camp
- PHOTOS: Snapshots from Mini Camp
- VIDEOS: Coach Mike Smith | Matt Ryan | Brian Finneran | Curtis Lofton | Roddy White | Thomas Brown
- QUOTABLE: Head Coach Mike Smith
