The Atlanta Falcons opened their doors to local prospects last Tuesday and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's D. Orlando Ledbetter published .this list of attendees. As is typical with local workouts most of the players were small school or late round prospects but there were a few names in the list that I think are worth highlighting.

The biggest names in attendance were Georgia Tech outside linebacker/defensive end Jeremiah Attaochu and Vanderbilt safety Kenny Ladler. Attaochu and Ladler are projected as second and fourth round picks respectively. Most fans should be very familiar with Attaochu by now so I won't spend any time on him.

Kenny Ladler should be another (if less) familiar name. He is a solid tackler and has good size (6'0 207lbs) but his pedestrian 40 time (4.70) has pushed him down draft boards. He is a solid if unspectacular safety that has a knack for causing turnovers (5 FF's, 5 INT's last season). If the Falcons do not take a safety early in the draft Ladler would be a solid option in the fourth.

Running back DJ Adams out of Portland State is an interesting UDFA prospect. He is short (5'9) but he's not small (213lbs) and he was extremely productive in his senior season rushing for 1,600 yards and 19 TD's on 256 carries. He doesn't have breakaway speed (4.63 40) but after watching the few highlights I could find on him I think he's worth a UDFA contract. He seems to decisive, agile and doesn't shy away from contact.

Tennessee's running back Rajion Neal is a solid all-around player that could be had in the sixth or seventh round. He has adequate size (5'11, 211lbs) and was productive as a starter in his senior campaign (215 carries, 1,124 yards, 11 TD's). He doesn't have breakaway speed (4.59 40 time) but he is a smart, fluid runner. Gil Brandt has reported that Neal "...wowed scouts with his pass catching ability" at his pro day. His versatility could potentially make him a valuable player in the Falcons running back rotation.

Georgia Tech safety Jemea Thomas is a good late round option at safety. He is undersized (5'9, 192lbs) but he plays like a much bigger player. He is a great open field tackler and has experience playing safety, corner, and special teams. His ability in man coverage is his biggest liability. He's tight hipped which allows faster receivers to gain separation and his short stature hurts him against biggest receivers. When he's able to keep everything in front of him and read and react he's a solid player.

Georgia Tech linebacker Brandon Watts and Furman wide receiver Ryan Culbreath measured well at their respective pro days which earned them a second look at the Falcons "locals day".

Brandon Watts opened some eyes by running in the 4.4s and jumping 37.5" in the vertical at Georgia Tech's pro day. He wasn't an overwhelmingly productive player but he is an intriguing size/speed prospect. His 40 time has gotten enough attention that he may hear his name called somewhere late in the seventh round.

Ryan Culbreath is a big framed (6'4, 223lbs) wide receiver out of Furman that put up a 4.58 40 time and 36" vertical at his pro day. Like Watts he wasn't extremely productive (39 catches, 515 yards, 4 TD's last season) but size and speed can't be coached. He isn't likely to hear his named called in the draft but he'll likely catch on with someone in free agency.