1. How does TE Austin Hooper size up against the vets?
The only time we've been able to see Atlanta's third-round pick Austin Hooper in action was during rookie minicamp. The tight end has missed all of the OTA sessions due to the fact Stanford's academic year was not complete until recently, therefore per NFL rules, Hooper was required to stay put in Palo Alto.
This week will be the first time Hooper will go up against Atlanta's veteran players and start catching passes from QB Matt Ryan.
2. Who is shining at the MIKE and WILL linebacker spots?
The Falcons have seven players at the MIKE and WILL linebacker spots, including Paul Worrilow, Philip Wheeler, Sean Weatherspoon, LaRoy Reynolds, Deion Jones, Torrey Green and De'Vondre Campbell. In head coach Dan Quinn's defense, these positions are interchangeable. Who is the shining in such a deep position group?
3. How is strong safety Keanu Neal working with free safety Ricardo Allen?
Following one year in the role of free safety, Ricardo Allen is becoming the vocal leader of the Falcons' secondary. First-round pick Keanu Neal will work closely with Allen and the two will be essential to the Falcons success on defense this year.
4. Who is impressing as the potential No. 3 receiver?
WR Mohamed Sanu was brought to Atlanta to compete and play right away and Atlanta's No. 1 receiver Julio Jones likes what he's seen so far from the guy who will be running opposite of him. After Sanu and Jones, who will emerge into the mix? Offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan said Justin Hardy has as great of hands as he's ever seen, but the Falcons added a speedster in Aldrick Robinson to their roster as well. Nick Williams is also someone to keep in mind.
5. What's the latest in the backup quarterback battle?
QB Matt Schaub was brought back to Atlanta this offseason and he and Sean Renfree will battle it out for the backup quarterback spot. Can a younger Renfree who was Ryan's backup last season keep the job over an experienced Schaub?
