Training camp report

The first day of Atlanta Falcons training camp is in the books and it went about as smooth as it possibly could go. It was really nice to go there this year without all the hoopla and distraction of last year at this time.

Here are some news, notes and quotes:

- Chris Redman took all the first-team snaps for the Falcons during the morning practice. Some of you may be disturbed to know that Joey Harrington took all the second-team snaps. Matt Ryan worked with the third team and D.J. Shockley got in sparingly with the third team, as well. Things don't look all that good for Shockley right now if for nothing else than the simple fact that he's not going to get a whole lot of reps. With Harrington being a bit more seasoned, Shockley's days could be numbered in Atlanta.

Here's what Redman had to say about the competition: "I'm just excited. I'm excited to play, I'm happy to be here and I think the whole team as a group came out and looked real strong today. You're always competing no matter where you're at and so I'm just going to go out there and just worry about what I have to do and go out there and try to win games and see what happens."

- Michael Turner looked as solid as he could despite the team going with just helmets and very little contact today. More will be known about him when the team straps the pads on, but he impressed me today. Also worth noting is Jerious Norwood. I think he actually gained a step in the offseason. He looks extremely fast and elusive right now. This could be one hell of a tandem.

Turner on what stood out on Day 1: "The energy. Everyone looked excited out there and excited to be here. That's a good sign coming into the season."

- Rumors flying around camp today about the Falcons talking with Grady Jackson again. A source close to the team told me today that he was surprised the deal wasn't done by this morning's practice. Either way, it looks like Jackson might be coming back to Atlanta. Good thing, too. The Falcons could use some help at defensive tackle.

Here are a couple of quick hits for you:

- Laurent Robinson was the No. 2 receiver on the first team this morning.
- Brent Grimes was in the other cornerback spot opposite Chris Houston.
- The first-team offensive line Saturday: Sam Baker (LT), Justin Blalock (LG), Todd McClure (C), Harvey Dahl (RG), Tyson Clabo (RT). Interesting since Dahl was a practice teamer for San Francisco to start last season.
- None of the tight ends looked very smooth this morning. It's obvious that this is not a group of pass-catchers.
- The defensive line shifted around all morning and it didn't look like there was a clear set of first-teamers with the exception of Montavious Stanley.
- At linebacker, Curtis Lofton worked with the first and second teams at middle linebacker while veteran Keith Brooking slid over to the weakside and played some middle.
- Tony Taylor got some reps at linebacker with the first team.
- Brian Finneran had some great catches during team and 7-on-7 periods. He is one big target and it's good to see him healthy again.

Photo: Head coach Mike Smith (John Bazemore/Associated Press)