The Atlanta Falcons are a team that is made up of equal parts rookies as veterans for the 2013 season. After stock piling on successful veterans for the 2013 season, the Falcons also had one of the better drafts, bringing in rookies that could make an impact early. After a round of OTAs and minicamps, several returning Falcons' players are feeling great about the incoming rookie class.
Linebacker Sean Weatherspoon is not only excited about being back on the field in Atlanta, but he is also excited about the round of new faces the team is hosting. Weatherspoon is now entering his fourth season with the Falcons and is looking to step into a leadership role on the defense with the rookies.
"I feel like it's my fourth year. I'm becoming a vet so you've got to go out there and apply yourself like a vet. If the leadership role is where I need to be then that's where I'm going to be. Whatever I can do to help this is all I'm focused on," Weatherspoon said.
Six of the Falcons' draft picks were on defense this year and early indications are they all fit in well with the veterans. Both Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford are expected to be in play for starting roles in 2013 and Weatherspoon is welcoming the early energy from the draft picks.
"They're awesome," Weatherspoon said. "Young guys, they always just come out, they inspire me just because of the way they're working. It's the first time to go out there and show us what they can actually do. It's exciting to watch. I look forward to seeing what they can do to help us."
Greg Cosell of NFL Films recently praised the Falcons on their overall draft, especially taking cornerback Trufant in the first round. He believes that Trufant is a versatile cornerback that can play well on both the outside and in the slot, showing excellent range during his time in Washington. Cosell noted a time during the game against USC, Trufant ran well next to wide receiver Marqise Lee. The wide receiver is easily a top ten pick next year and Trufant did not struggle to press him.
The secondary was a weakness for the Falcons in 2012 and they spent a lot of time investing in upgrades in all positions. If Trufant can pick up the system easily, he can find himself starting Week 1, something the Falcons are certainly hoping on.
