--Former NFL linebacker and Cincinnati Bengals linebackers coach Ricky Hunley spent the week helping coach linebackers during OTAs. Hunley was fired as the Bengals' linebacker coach and currently is out of work. He is a close friend of Falcons head coach Mike Smith.

"Ricky played in this league and any time you can expose your guys to former players it's important," Smith said. "They got to know what it's like and someone like Ricky can give them some insight with a player's and coach's point of view because he's done both in this league."

--Third-round picks Chevis Jackson and Thomas DeCoud, both defensive backs, signed four-year deals this week. Jackson, DeCoud, QB Matt Ryan and TE Keith Zinger are all signed, leaving seven other players to finalize contract terms. The Falcons also are close to signing second-round pick and middle linebacker Curtis Lofton. Sixth-round pick Thomas Brown also is close to signing.

--Unsigned first-round draft pick Sam Baker has taken some reps at starting left tackle and has been impressive in picking up the offense. He has gotten a fairly tough introduction into the NFL, not just from stud DE John Abraham but also from the overall tempo.

"He's going to be the guy where it's going to be interesting when he gets the pads on," Boudreau said. "I asked John Abraham not to let up on him and give him some stuff and give him some things he's never seen before. He's picking it up, he's still getting used to the pace we practice.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"If you're in a situation and you get beat physically I can maybe help you from a technique standpoint. If you get beat mentally I can't help you and usually it's a blowup. The quarterback is getting carried off or the running back is getting blown up." -- Offensive line coach Paul Boudreau

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