FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Garrett Reynolds already has a lonely distinction in Falcons record books.
He's the only offensive player listed in the team's 2009 draft class. Eight selected. Seven defensive players.
But he -- and a trio of undrafted free agents and a sprinkling of veterans -- have to help fill some important spots on the offensive line.
In 2007, the Falcons were one of the worst teams in football when it came to producing rushing yards and protecting the quarterback. No coincidence that, as the team allowed a franchise-low 17 sacks in 2008, its regular-season record improved to 11-5.
The mission this preseason? Find some depth to support starters Sam Baker, Justin Blalock, Todd McClure, Harvey Dahl and Tyson Clabo.
"It's just working hard and trying to find a role I can fit at," the rookie out of North Carolina said. "If that's a backup spot... Anything. Wherever they need me, I'll go."
The Falcons also added veterans in center Brett Romberg and tackle Will Svitek in the offseason. In the first preseason game, Svitek worked at second-string left tackle. Michael Butterworth, who has a year experience in the system, backed up on the right side.
So far, Svitek has been the one inheriting the duties from veteran tackle Todd Weiner, who played well in relief of Baker last season despite knee problems.
Weiner retired in February.
"They definitely throw a lot at you and it’s definitely a complex offense," said Svitek, who started four games for the Chiefs in 2007, "I’m just learning every day as much as I can and trying to get the details. It’s easy to know the basics of the offense, but the little intricacies are what I’m trying to pick up and learn on a daily basis."
One detail the Falcons take pride in is a collectively abrasive personality. But this season, the front five won't be surprising opponents with aggressive, work-to-the-whistle play.
"It's a group that never stops," McClure said. "We're constantly working. We've got teams and defensive lines wondering where we're at and looking around, wondering where we're coming from. That's where we want them. If they're worried about us and where we're coming from, they're not worried about the ball carrier.
"We're going to take as many hits as we can off our ball carriers and that will keep them healthy through the full season."
McClure called the rookies the "smartest" group he's seen in his 11-year career. He also likes the veteran abilities of Svitek and Romberg.
No team plans on injuries, but in the event one of the starting linemen go down, the Falcons appear to be in good hands. The group must continue its dominance if the team wants to insulate a young defense from too much time on the field.
In Saturday's preseason opener at Detroit the first-team offense put together a pair of seven-play drives that ate up just more than seven minutes of the first quarter and resulted in seven points. The Falcons did not allow a sack the entire game.
For the night, the Lions held the advantage in time of possession, 32:11 to 27:49. Last season the Falcons averaged 30:49 in time of possession.
Offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey said it takes time to determine depth on the offensive line, at least through camp and a few preseason games.
"We go at a good pace, high tempo, but it’s not real until you tackle and sack and do all those things," he said. "I can get a better feel of what we have depth-wise then."
It didn't take long for Reynolds and Svitek to be introduced to the offensive line's tempo, which includes its own, unique, personality.
That alone ensures anyone behind the starters will be mentally prepared for action.
"This is a great group to be a part of," Svitek said. "They have a great energy and attitude. They work really hard and love the game, and that rubs off on everybody else."
