/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/54763067/633406174.0.jpg)
Friday marked the first day of a three day Falcons rookie minicamp, and the media was on hand to talk to Dan Quinn and the players about how that first day went. As is always the case, we’ve got some genuinely interesting observations, but no earth-shattering revelations. It’s May, after all.
Fortunately, The Falcoholic’s gifted beat reporter Jeanna Thomas was one of the reporters on hand, and we have some items of interest to share with you. Let’s get right into them.
Damontae Kazee is one of my favorite draft picks from this class, and he’s a player that will bear watching immediately because of football intelligence and ball skills. In this Falcons rookie minicamp, he got some time at free safety, a position I think he could start at as soon as 2018. The fact that the team is slotting him there so early, even if he’s also going to play cornerback, speaks volumes about their plans for him.
On Kazee, Quinn was pleased with the communication as a free safety.
— Jeanna (@jeannathomas) May 12, 2017
Duke Riley’s speed is his calling card in many ways, and while I’m not sure he’s going to start right away, he’s not going to have any problem getting run. Keith Armstrong is showing early interest.
On Duke Riley, it was the speed. Also said they're looking at potential of him contributing on special teams with that speed.
— Jeanna (@jeannathomas) May 12, 2017
As anticipated, Sean Harlow will be a guard. That’s his clearest path to playing time and perhaps a starting job in the next year or two, and there’s an extreme outside chance he could wind up starting at right guard this season.
Quinn says move Harlow will make from tackle to guard is a very common thing. Praises Harlow's football IQ, says he asked smart questions
— Jeanna (@jeannathomas) May 12, 2017
Finally, an important note.
Duke Riley has the best hair in the NFL idc pic.twitter.com/hq5fTiC1yw
— Jeanna (@jeannathomas) May 12, 2017
Look for more in-depth reporting out of Falcons rookie minicamp tomorrow from Jeanna!