The Falcons' rookie edge rusher didn't initially participate in 11-on-11 work when OTAs began, but that was by design.
Terrin Waack
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. When the Atlanta Falcons held their first periods of 11-on-11 workduring their first OTA practice, rookie edge rusher James Pearce Jr. was not among the participants. That raised a few questions about the status of the team's first-round pick, and maybe even a touch of concern.
Well, Falcons head coach Raheem Morris squashed any concern Monday when he made it clear that was intentional for Pearce's progression.
"We had him on the side, ramping him up, as we call it when we get him in here," Morris said. "We want to get everybody to a certain spot we want them to be before we get them out there in practice. We don't like to just throw people into drills.
"Like, for example, when a guy has a miss or something. We may ramp him back into it to make sure we're not missing any steps."
Morris also clarified that Pearce was involved in 11-on-11 work during practices not open to the media last week, "which was really good for him."
Still, as far as open practices have gone, Pearce has not missed a single one since he came to Atlanta as the No. 26 overall draft pick. That includes last month's rookie minicamp and last week's first full-team practice. He was also in attendance Tuesday for the Falcons' second full-team practice open to media. And this time, he did participate in the Falcons' 11-on-11 work.
There appeared to be two team periods. Both times, Pearce worked with the second-team defense. At one point during the first session, he lined up on the outside with fellow edge rusher and first-round selection Jalon Walker. Defensive linemen Kentavius Street and Simeon Barrow Jr. were in between them. Then, during the second session, he was seen opposite outside linebacker DeAngelo Malone, with Barrow and defensive lineman LaCale London also up front.
And on that note, below are more observations from Tuesday's open practice.
Roll call: Nine players were not accounted for during the hour-plus practice. They were wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge, tight end Kyle Pitts Sr., quarterback Kirk Cousins, running back Jase McClellan, inside linebacker Troy Andersen, outside linebacker Bralen Trice, offensive tackle Kaleb McGary, tight end Nikola Kalinic and defensive lineman Morgan Fox.
Morris provided an update onTrice last weekandPitts this week. Both are missing due to injury precautions.
Fox was seen in his jersey and with his helmet along the sideline for the final 11-on-11 period, though he never joined in.
Familiar faces: There were more folks in attendance than normal. The biggest name was easily former Falcons quarterback Michael Vick, who strolled up to the sideline about midway through practice. Former Falcons pass game specialist Chandler Whitmer was also spotted along the sideline; he now serves as Indiana University's quarterbacks coach and co-offensive coordinator. And then, most of the extra bodies spread out throughout were Georgia high school coaches.
Morris gave a head-ups before practice that Tuesday doubled as a coaching clinic.
"The game of football has given us all so much that when you've got a chance to give back, particularly with youth football or high school coaching or whatever the case may be, it's just something that you want to fully invest in and dive into at the highest level, Morris said. "I think our coaches all embrace that. Our organization definitely embraces it, and it's something that we'll continue to do long after I'm gone, I can tell you that much, because that's just who we are."
Fighting Falcons: A scuffle broke out between offensive lineman Matthew Bergeron and defensive lineman David Onyemata during the early 11-on-11 period. It was unclear what exactly happened, given where they were on the field and the lack of visibility, but it was clear something happened when players and coaches alike rushed in to break the two up. Music then cut off, as Morris called for a team huddle. He was too far away to hear, but Atlanta's second-year head coach spoke passionately and was able to get his team back on track for the remainder of practice.
One look: Rotation along the line will make it difficult to declare one starting lineup, but for the sake of simplicity, the first-team defense was reported before any substitutions. Up front were Onyemata, Ruke Orhorhoro, Zach Harrison, Leonard Floyd and Arnold Ebiketie. Kaden Elliss was the sole inside linebacker. The secondary included safeties Jessie Bates III and Jordan Fuller, cornerbacks A.J. Terrell Jr. and Mike Hughes and nickel Dee Alford.
Up next:The Falcons have mandatory minicamp next week. June 10-11 will be open to media.
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