Leonard Hankerson likes what he see with his new team. (Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports)
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Atlanta wide receiver Leonard Hankerson believes the Falcons have enough talent to be a top-five offense in the NFL.
Hankerson, 26, was signed to a one-year contract in free agency after playing four seasons in Washington, where he caught a career-high 57 passes in 2012 under new Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan.
“During my years with him in Washington, we were one of the top offenses in the league,” Hankerson said. “With the weapons that he has on this team, there is no doubt about it that we can be a top-five offense. We can be a great team.”
–The Falcons signed undrafted rookie linebacker Boris Anyama, who played at Louisiana-Lafayette, on Tuesday.
Anyama, 6 feet 3, 232 pounds, had 100 total tackles (68 solo), 10.5 tackles for loss, two sacks and three forced fumbles for the Ragin’ Cajuns. During his senior season in 2014, Anyama played in 13 games and had 43 total tackles (31 solo), 8.5 tackles for loss, two sacks and two forced fumbles.
— Round One: In the first fight of OTA’s Friday, cornerback Kevin White and running back Devonta Freeman got into a scuffle after a run wide left. The fight went to the ground and the two had to be separated.
–Injury report: Strong safety William Moore hopes to be cleared for action during preseason camps. He underwent major shoulder surgery last season.
“I haven’t the slightest idea,” Moore told ESPN when asked when he will be given clearance. “We’re still rehabbing. We’re sore right now from rehab, but my body feels excellent. My weight is great. I’m at 220. I was at 230, 232. With this defense, we’re running and hitting. I’m still going to be down in the box. I’m excited about that.”
Moore first separated the shoulder in Week 4, then reinjured it in December and surgery was necessary.
Also on injured list: Linebacker Brooks Reed (hamstring), center/guard Joe Hawley (knee), tackle Jake Matthews (foot), cornerback Jalen Collins (foot) and center/guard Peter Konz (knee) worked out with the training staff.
–Taking roll: Guard Jon Asamoah and wide receiver/returner Devin Hester were not at the open OTA practice. Recent signee Chris Chester lined up at right guard with the second line.
–People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) sent a letter to the Falcons thanking them for the team’s swift decision to dismiss linebacker Prince Shembo.
Shembo was released last Friday after being charged with aggravated cruelty to animals for allegedly kicking and killing his ex-girlfriend’s dog, whose injuries included bone fractures, head trauma and internal hemorrhaging.
In the letter, PETA asked Blank to head off future abuse by mandating teamwide empathy training for all players.
PETA’s motto, in part, states that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way.” PETA pointed out that if Michael Vick had taken its empathy course before his arrest for dogfighting crimes instead of afterward, a great deal of suffering-and shame to professional football might have been prevented.
“Professional athletes are set up to be role models, so it’s critical for NFL teams to give its players the clear message that bullying and abusing anyone is unacceptable,” PETA senior vice president Daphna Nachminovitch said. “We are pleased that strong action has been taken in the Shembo case, and now, PETA is renewing its call to provide all players with empathy training in the hope of preventing further violent attacks like this one.”
