AJC article on Falcons minicamp (mentions SN)

[BullsFanInTX]

http://boards.atlantafalcons.com/index.php?showtopic=248466

Speed thrills

By A. Scott Walton | Saturday, May 12, 2007, 12:55 PM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Expect to read and hear more about the Falcons’ third-round WR draft pick Laurent Robinson. This kid out of Illinois State has the goods in terms of athleticism, quicks, hands and desire.

On Friday, the first day of mini-camp, Robinson had been matched up against players of lesser coverage skills. And he thoroughly abused them.

On Saturday, before Pro Bowl cornerback DeAngelo Hall went down with a head injury and had to be helped off the field, Robinson squared off with him and handled himself well.

Coach Bobby Petrino has described Robinson as a legitimate deep threat. And here’s part of the reason why: Robinson’s flashing the skills to quickly get separation and go long but, more importlantly, he goes up and GETS THE BALL. Consistently.

And it’s not a flukey kind of acrobatics that the 6-foot-2, 195-pounder’s displaying.

“He’s very fast,†Petrino said Saturday. “The thing I like is his body’s always under control.â€Â

Speaking of thrillers: Scribes assigned here for mini-camp are killing some time during the three-hour breaks between sessions by watching and commenting on the highlight reel footage of backup running back Jerious Norwood and rookie safety Daren Stone that someone’s posted on the Web.

Norwood’s packed on some serious upper body muscle since last season and it hasn’t diminished his quickness. The key to his elusiveness (about 6 yards per carry last season) may this: It looks as if his feet scarcely leave the ground as he darts and cuts. A slight cause for concern, from this vantage point at least, is that when he does come into contact with defenders, Norwood usually takes the hit up high.

Stone, a chiseled 220-pound specimen out of Maine, has been both on and off the practice field during this camp for some reason. But the Internet footage showing him running and leaping over parked cars speaks to his potential.

Storms brewing

By A. Scott Walton | Saturday, May 12, 2007, 03:06 PM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The assembled press _ basicly, me, our two esteemed Falcons beat writers Steve and D.Led and the photographer Ben _ has just been informed that a major weather system’s heading for Flowery Branch and the Saturday afternoon session will move into the unventilated indoor practice. Tempers could flare in there. Hardly the most comfy of confines.

And owner Arthur Blank’s custom SUV just pulled onto the premises. This could get interesting…

Quick reaction to some of your questions:

Chris Redman…the former Louisville quarterback brought into camp as a free agent doesn’t look to be a serious threat to D.J. Shockley’s position as the No. 3 QB. He may know more about how coach Petrino likes things done than the others, but no one is whispering about him being an up-and-comer.

Brian Finneran…was out on the field running 100-yard “sprints†at three-quarters speed Saturday. His recovery from a torn ligament can be summed up this way: His left calf muscle is about twice the size of his right.

Stephen Nicholas…the rookie linebacker from South Florida is being characterized as someone with excellent lateral speed and the ability to chase down the ball from sideline to sideline.

Joe Horn…the former New Orleans wide receiver is being treated as a true Falcons; a longtime Falcon even. Early on in practice Saturday morning, a coach was heard shouting, “Show some leadership out here, Joe Horn! Let’s get everybody going!â€Â

Jamaal Anderson…the DE the Falcons used their first-round draft pick on looms large even though he’s currently running with the second-teamers. In agility drills, his quick feet and head-up running style were marvels to watch.

Jimmy Williams…best he’s being moved into a safety position because the fast and hungry receivers in camp are exposing his limited coverage skills.

Fred Gibson…is fairing well against perhaps the stiffest competition on the field for a roster spot. All the receivers - vets and rookies alike - are playing like their lives are at stake. Gibson’s catching just about everything thrown his way, but will that be enough?

[bulls96go]

go snake make the team

[Bull Dozer]

Good to hear hes making some waves.  The real test will be when they pads go on during training camp and he gets his first taste of knocking heads with NFL linemen.  

[CyberBull]

Most 4th round draft picks make the team nowadays.

[Bull Dozer]

Most 4th round draft picks make the team nowadays.

yeah he should make the team no problem.  Hes a project type of guy who can start for you 2 years down the road with good coaching and strength and conditioning.  

[Matt]

i dont know how many people of this board have met SN but if you want to discount his height you need to consider his reach and the size of his hands.

i can see him gettin into a lot of passing lanes.

at USF he was our best pass coverage LB so he didnt get that many chances to blitz but if he can get off the block he is going to make the tackle or deflict the pass

[Bull Dozer]

i dont know how many people of this board have met SN but if you want to discount his height you need to consider his reach and the size of his hands.

i can see him gettin into a lot of passing lanes.

at USF he was our best pass coverage LB so he didnt get that many chances to blitz but if he can get off the block he is going to make the tackle or deflict the pass

Yeah ive met Snake several times and he has room on his frame for the bulk that some consider to be a concern.  His biggest issues will be oncresing his speed and his technique when it comes to engaging offensive linemen.  NFL linemen will make you look foolish if you dont play with good technique when you engage.