NE Atlanta News

The Atlanta Falcons have entered their second week of training camp in Flowery Branch, Georgia. This period marks a significant phase as the team dons pads and prepares for joint practices in Miami next week.

In conjunction with the new training developments, a series titled "Battle Lines" will provide updates on key position battles after every four-day block of practices and preseason games.

### Wide Receiver

The restructured wide receiver lineup around Drake London has sparked debate over who will secure the WR3 spot. Early indications from the first week of camp suggest Ray-Ray McCloud is leading this competition. McCloud has been consistently working with quarterback Kirk Cousins during 11-on-11 drills, while Rondale Moore splits his time between Cousins and Michael Penix Jr. By the fourth day of practice, McCloud was seen running routes alongside notable players such as Kyle Pitts, Drake London, Darnell Moore, and Bijan Robinson.

### Cornerback/Nickel

Mike Hughes appears to be solidifying his position opposite A.J. Terrell on the first-team defense. Contrary to initial expectations, there has been minimal direct competition between Hughes and Clark Phillips III for this role. Phillips has been cross-training extensively, alternating between outside cornerback and nickel positions primarily with the second-team defense. Antonio Hamilton Sr. and Kevin King have also been involved in these rotations.

### Safety

Richie Grant has maintained a strong presence in first-team reps alongside Jessie Bates III. However, DeMarcco Hellams occasionally rotates into this pairing. Raheem Morris highlighted Grant's versatility as a key asset for the Falcons' defense.

"Richie, his ability to move around and potentially go up there in the front and play a little bit of linebacker at that dime position and do some of those type of things, they're exciting," Morris said.

### Inside Linebacker

A consistent rotation among Kaden Elliss, Nate Landman, and Troy Andersen characterizes the inside linebacker position. While Elliss and Landman often receive initial reps during 11-on-11 drills, Andersen frequently rotates in shortly thereafter. The responsibility for calling defensive plays also rotates depending on who is positioned as Mike linebacker.

"We've got a good rotation going," Landman said.

### Outside Linebacker

James Smith-Williams has emerged as a standout performer during camp, frequently working with the first-team defensive line alongside Lorenzo Carter. Despite high expectations for Arnold Ebiketie's pass-rush capabilities, Smith-Williams' experience and size make him a prominent figure in early formations.

Additionally, rookie Bralen Trice has garnered attention by consistently working with the first-team defense—a rarity among rookies—indicating that preseason games could be crucial for his development within the team.

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