FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan made sure to mention rookie wide receiver Justin Hardy while talking about young players making strong impressions this offseason.

"Justin Hardy's done a great job," Ryan said. "He's really picked up things. And you can see him kind of every practice he goes out there, he gets a little more comfortable and he becomes a little more confident. That's going to bode well for us. His production for us this season is going to be important."

Hardy, a fourth-round draft pick out of East Carolina, has impressed with his hands from the moment he joined the team. He is best suited as a slot receiver yet has enough versatility to move outside. Plus Hardy has the reputation of being able to establish separation with his crafty route running.

Hardy, who set an NCAA record with 387 career receptions, got some extended reps with the first-team offense during Tuesday's first day of mandatory minicamp. Roddy White was sidelined with an undisclosed injury while Devin Hester was excused following a death in the family, meaning Hardy ran alongside Julio Jones and Leonard Hankerson. The Falcons lost one of their productive slot receivers when Harry Douglas, now with Tennessee, was released this offseason.

When told of Ryan's high praise, Hardy humbly expressed his appreciation.

"That's great," Hardy said. "It was kind of rough coming in from the start. You're trying to basically learn the plays, learn the system. But now it's just progress and you're trying to get better and better.

"That praise is great coming from a guy the stature that he is, the quarterback that he is and what he does for the community and for this team."

Hardy was asked where he felt most comfortable lining up.

"Whatever I can do to help the team," he said. "Anywhere. Outside, inside it doesn't matter."