As much as the Falcons tried to make their recent minicamp about the team, it turned out being about first-round draft pick Matt Ryan, the quarterback of the not-so-distant future.

To emphasize the point, the final exercise of the three-day session was a two-minute drill, with Ryan working with most of the No. 1 offensive personnel against the No. 3 defense. Ryan completed all five passes he threw, including a minicamp-ending touchdown.

"We are not going to rule out anything in terms of who is going to start," coach Mike Smith said. "We are not going to put a ceiling on any of our players whether if it's the quarterback, offensive tackle, linebacker. We are going to let them go out and compete.

"I will say this: the quarterback position is probably one of the more...

Chad Hall hopes he made a big impression on the Falcons coaches -- and that they have a long memory. Hall was one of a handful of players participating in Atlanta's three-day minicamp on a tryout basis, but his career options differ from other NFL hopefuls. While some undrafted prospects land in the Arena Football League or seek jobs outside football, Hall could be bound for a war zone with...

There were signs Saturday that No. 7 jerseys may become yesterday's fashion for Atlanta Falcons fans. Some fans attending the Falcons' opening day of minicamp wore No. 2 jerseys in early tribute to the team's new hope at quarterback, rookie Matt Ryan. The Falcons used a committee approach to replace Michael Vick during the 2007 season, but the team is hoping Ryan will be his long-term replacement and...