Falcons voluntary minicamp begins April 27th because Dan Quinn is new here

The vast majority of NFL teams are kicking off phase one of their offseason programs today, but the Falcons won't be. Why? They already did, thanks to NFL rules that allow new head coaches a head start on their offseason programs, plus an additional full set of OTAs to help them get to know their players.

That's a nice perk for Dan Quinn and company, and we already saw the team doing work in the weight room last week and speaking briefly to the media. The upshot is that the team gets to get out on the practice field at Flowery Branch very soon, and Quinn and this front office get one quick look at their current players before next Thursday's draft begins. With a new coach and two poor seasons to erase from their memory, I'm willing to bet attendance at the voluntary minicamp will be excellent when it opens up next Monday.

Here's a glimpse at what the Falcons will be up to over the next three months.

Falcons offseason schedule

Voluntary minicamp: April 27th

OTAs: May 26-29th; June 2-3rd, 5th; June 9-12th

Mandatory minicamp: June 16-18th