Receiving corps looking to build off success

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- The Falcons have made no secrets about plans to run the football more effectively in 2008. The team signed talented running back Michael Turner and new offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey has a history of developing the running game.

But that doesn't mean the team's receivers will get any less work or attention.

Head Coach Mike Smith hired 26-year coaching veteran Terry Robiskie to shepherd the wide receivers. There's also the return of Roddy White, who finished last season with a career-best 83 catches for 1,202 yards and six touchdowns. His 62 receiving yards in the season finale against Seattle also moved him into fifth place on the team's single-season receiving list. He came just 157 yards from breaking the single-season record (1,358 yards), which is held by Alfred Jenkins (1981).

Mularkey installed a strong running game in Pittsburgh from 2001 to 2003. The Steelers led the league in average rushing yards per game in 2001. But the veteran coach never lost sight of the passing game. In fact, Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward had some of his best seasons under Mularkey -- a career-high 112 receptions in 2002 and a total of 26 touchdowns from 2001 to 2003.

White is playing a position similar to Ward in the Falcons' new offense.

"I'm playing the Z position and that's the same position he played," White said when asked about Ward's success under Mularkey. "I was watching film on Hines the other day and watching what he did in that offense. Watching someone that succeed in the offense is good for you."

White also likes what other receivers can do in the new scheme.

With the second of three, third-round picks the Falcons selected Louisville wide receiver Harry Douglas.

At 5-foot-11, he wasn't the biggest receiver available, but blazing speed made him an attractive prospect. He started just 19 of 46 games for the Cardinals, but still managed to set eight school records.

General Manager Thomas Dimitroff said the Falcons like Douglas' versatility and ability to "plant his foot in the dirt and separate."

The team also returns veterans Michael Jenkins and Joe Horn and second-year player Laurent Robinson, who moved into the starting spot opposite White during offseason practices.

Robinson played well at the close of 2007 including a seven-catch, 114-yard game game at Arizona that saw his first professional touchdown. Jenkins had a career-high 53 receptions last season.

"I think all of our receivers are good," White said. "Certain players can do certain things good. Laurent is more of a vertical player -- more of an outside game. (Jenkins) is the guy in the middle that makes all the right reads on the option and short routes. Either one you go with would be a great compliment for me."

Adam Jennings, Eric Weems and Brian Finneran round out the players with experience in a Falcons uniform.

Finneran missed the better part of the last two seasons with back-to-back ACL tears.

"My legs may have been a little heavy," said Finneran, who has 15 career touchdowns (12 since joining the Falcons in 2002) after his first practice this offseason. I'm just easing into it but I felt pretty good in terms of football and knowing where I need to be."

Throw in Chandler Williams, who spent time with the Vikings and Dolphins last season, and Tony Gonzalez, a rookie that tallied 12 receiving touchdowns while working with Matt Ryan at Boston College and the Falcons have a corps built on youth and experience.

Of course, when it comes to Training Camp, most eyes will be on White to see if he can lead his teammates to success in a new, more balanced, offense.

"When a guy has touched that iceberg of success he keeps himself going," Robiskie said. "Roddy realizes he's right at the verge of being a good football player. He's pushing himself closer to being a Pro Bowl player... I think the motivation comes from him."

MORE ON FALCONS RECEIVERS:

• INTERVIEW: Laurent Robinson
• INTERVIEW: Roddy White
• FEATURE: Building on 2007 primary goal for top receiver
• INTERVIEW: Brian Finneran
• BLOG: Windy Afternoon
• RELEASE: Falcons acquire Williams
• RELEASE: Birds agree to terms with Gonzalez
• FEATURE: Speedy receiver Douglas added in third round
• WIKIPEDIA:  Harry Douglas IV
• NFL.com:  Harry Douglas profile 
• YOUTUBE.COM: Harry Douglas Pro Day
• YOUTUBE.COM: Harry Douglas at the Scouting Combine

Atlanta Falcons 2008 Receivers