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What To Expect From Atlanta Falcons OTAs Starting Today

The NFL Draft was a month ago, and outside of a couple of names that have dominated the headlines with trade rumors, not much else is happening in the NFL.

The Atlanta Falcons' “Organized Team Activities” (OTAs) start today and will run through the following dates: May 27th-28th, May 30th, June 2nd-3rd, and June 5th. It sounds more exciting than it is.

OTAs are voluntary practice/workouts with no contact. They are mainly for building rapport or chemistry with some of the newer faces in town. However, some veterans will be present. Usually, they do not include any scheme implementation or anything of that nature.

Falcons WR Drake London during last year's OTAs. Dale Zanine-Imagn

Falcons WR Drake London during last year's OTAs. Dale Zanine-Imagn

One player will benefit significantly from the practices: starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Although he played well in the last three games of the season last year while getting the start, some naysayers say that he needs to be a little more accurate. This would be the best place to start to gel with some teammates.

Excitement also surrounds this team because they have addressed so many immediate needs on the defensive side of the football. With all of the new, fresh faces, the team will also need to develop the chemistry, consistency, and timing.

The wide receiver room will look to be expanded upon with names like Nick Nash and Casey Washington trying to get their feet under them. OTAs are a time where wide receivers can make a name for themselves in an already deep room with names such as Drake London, Darnell Mooney, Kyle Pitts, and Ray-Ray McCloud.

Only so much can be learned from a noncontact practice, but it is truly meaningful for a franchise trying to consistently stay atop the NFC South.

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