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The Atlanta Falcons are counting down the days until training camp begins. Rookies are set to arrive in Flowery Branch this Friday, while the team's veterans have until Tuesday of next week.
The Falcons' first official practice is scheduled for next Wednesday. Atlanta will then hold the first of 10 open practices on Friday, July 31 at IBM Performance Field. But since we still have some time to kill, let's check out the top stories of the day.
In today's Falcons Wire Recap, Darnell Mooney and Tyler Allgeier receive national praise, ESPN eyes rookie Zachariah Branch, The Athletic hypes up offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, and we look at some training camp position battles.
ESPN lists Zachariah Branch among rookies to watch
ESPN's Ben Solak highlighted Branch in his "five rookies to watch" segment. While Solak understands this offense will run through Drake London, Kyle Pitts and Bijan Robinson, he feels Branch's ability to contribute on screens and quick hitters will make him valuable as a rookie.
"The Kevin Stefanski/Tommy Rees offense likes to throw screens and quick hitters to its receivers, and neither London nor Pitts are great yards-after-catch options," wrote Solak. "Branch was a tricky scout, as his 5-foot-10, 180-pound size is far too small to make him an every-down player in the NFL. But he can shine in a catered role that doesn't have too much volume and gives him plenty of space."
Falcons training camp: 4 position battles to watch
Back at Falcons Wire, Tim Weaver highlighted four key position battles to watch during training camp. Here's what he had to say about Atlanta's No. 2 wide receiver competition.
"Atlanta has a top-10 wide receiver in Drake London, but otherwise one of the thinnest wide receiver rooms around the NFL. That means the WR2 role is up for grabs for anyone who can prove theyr'e worth the targets. Former Eagles first-round draft pick Jahan Dotson is the most-logical option, but he's yet to impress at this level since a promising rookie season. Zaccheaus has the edge in experience, with 105 career games under his belt. The rookie Branch has the most speed and playmaking ability in space. This one is truly a wide open competition." - Tim Weaver, Falcons Wire
Tyler Allgeier makes All-Backup Team
Former Falcons RB Tyler Allgeier signed a two-year, $12.25 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals in free agency. However, the Cardinals went on to take running back Jeremiyah Love with the third overall pick in the draft. The former BYU star can't seem to catch a break. As a consolation prize, Allgeier was listed as the starting running back on the ESPN All-Backup Team.
"Allgeier might have expected to be the starter in Arizona after he signed there in free agency, only for the Cardinals to use their first-round pick on Jeremiyah Love," wrote ESPN's Bill Barnwell. "The Falcons rotated Allgeier and Bijan Robinson by possessions as opposed to situations, so Allgeier is entirely capable of playing on all three downs. He's a perfectly viable starting back."
Falcons OC named breakout coaching candidate
According to Jourdan Rodrigue at The Athletic, Falcons offensive coordinator Tommy Rees is one of 32 assistant coaches with a chance to break out this coming season.
"Rees was hired as a key part of new coach Kevin Stefanski’s staff after serving the same role under Stefanski in Cleveland," wrote Rodrigue. "Rees, whose pro coaching background is with tight ends and in the passing game, will have some exciting skill players to work with — and big questions at quarterback with the arrival of Tua Tagovailoa and the injury recovery of Michael Penix Jr."
Darnell Mooney makes 'under-the-radar' players list
After a down year in 2025, former Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the New York Giants. CBS Sports listed Mooney as one of 50 under-the-radar players who could impact the 2026 season. The 28-year-old was featured in the bounce-back player section.
"Amid a disappointing 2024 for the Falcons, Mooney quietly impressed with 64 catches for 992 yards and five touchdowns while averaging a career-best 15.5 yards per catch -- the seventh-highest mark in the league," wrote Zachary Pereles. "Mooney dealt with lingering injuries in 2025, though, and finished with just 32 catches. The Giants would love to see him get back to his 2024 form, when he showed a well-rounded skill set that hadn't been on display earlier in his career."
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons Recap: ESPN eyes Zachariah Branch, training camp battles
