NFC Notes: Falcons, Giants, Packers

Falcons

Falcons first-round WR Calvin Ridley saw a limited number of reps during Saturday’s minicamp practice, but it was clear to the coaching staff that Ridley was ready to compete.

“The first impression was that I recognized the competitor that he was because he wanted every rep,” Falcons HC Dan Quinn said, via AJC.com. “That’s a good thing. He wanted to go for it, but today we were trying to feature some of the guys that we wanted to take a look at. He didn’t get as many reps today and I know there was some disappointment on his end.”

Quinn added that they plan to have Ridley involved in a number of roles including returning kickoffs and punts while seeing time in the slot and on the outside.

“We got a chance to see him (do) a variety of things, and that will continue through the OTAs,” Quinn said of Ridley.

Giants

Ian Seau, the nephew of Junior Seau, has been invited to participate in the Giants’ rookie minicamp on a tryout basis.

Seau admits it’s hard to live up to all that his uncle accomplished in the NFL.

“It’s hard to live up to,” he told the New York Daily News. “He is my uncle, there is always going to be these expectations but I feel like what I’ve done, when I’ve played snaps in preseason I’ve done some things that Ian Seau has done.”

Ian says he understands the risks that come with playing in the NFL and wants to pursue a career despite concerns from his Mom and the possibility that that brain damage suffered in football led to his uncle’s depression and suicide.

“I know [the NFL] is trying to find ways to make it safer. I’m just living out there, not really worried about that. I’m worried about what we’re doing on the next play,” said Ian. “I know my mom has her foundation and she chose to educate me on this. I know the symptoms and the signs.”

Packers

• Tom Silverstein writes that the Packers could consider adding a veteran receiver at some point, seeing as the Packers used three mid-to-late round picks on receivers this year and it’s rare for a first-year receiver to step in and have a big impact for a team right away.
• Silverstein doesn’t consider Dez Bryant to be a good fit for the Packers.
• However, Silverstein lists Jeremy Maclin, Breshad Perriman, Russell Shepard, Torrey Smith, Allen Hurns, Cole Beasley, Brandon LaFell and Markus Wheaton as some players who are either available now or could be available later this summer.
• Another position Silverstein believes the Packers should consider bolstering their depth at tight end.