Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris held a press conference on Friday to address the start of rookie minicamp. The team’s five-player draft class, 11 undrafted free agents and several tryout players are in attendance. Morris was asked about the added emphasis on edge rushers in this year’s draft and did not shy away from it.

“Normally I get beat up all year about not getting sacks,” said Morris. “And that’s got to change, and the only way you can change that is to change that. And that was a part of the process, very intentional, going out and trying to fix the edge room.”

The Falcons drafted Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. in the first round to give the pass rush a much-needed boost. After receiving criticism for barely playing their rookie class in 2024, Morris made it clear that the team plans to get the rookies more involved this season.

“Make no mistake about it, we’re going to have some real intentionality about playing our rookies this year,” said Morris. “Getting those guys on the grass and giving them an opportunity to play a significant amount of football for us.”

One undrafted rookie that may have a chance to make the 53-man roster is Cobee Bryant. The former Kansas Jayhawks cornerback, a projected Day 3 pick, was considered one of the best UDFA signings after the draft. Morris discussed Bryant’s upside.

“Cobee is like the most famous undrafted player I’ve ever been around,” said Morris. “When you go back and watch the tape, you’re not shocked that he’s well known.”

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This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons coach Raheem Morris discusses start of rookie minicamp