Nfl Lockout | Atlanta Falcons Tickets

Lockout Drags on, Falcons Swim With Beluga Whales

ATLANTA (AP) — Atlanta Falcons linebacker Curtis Lofton insists he isn’t bored by the NFL lockout.

But with just a few player-organized practice sessions scheduled, the Falcons’ defensive captain took a dip in 52-degree water with beluga whales Monday afternoon.

Lofton says he never thought he would be in a tank “with belugas … no way.”

With the lockout nearly 70 days old and showing few signs of resolution in federal court, Lofton joined linebacker Coy Wire and defensive end Kroy Biermann in taking a preview of the Georgia Aquarium’s up-close experience with the whales.

While the Falcons don’t know when they’re going to report to work, the aquarium’s program opens to the public on June 1.

QB Matt Ryan Leads Falcons’ Workout During Lockout

BUFORD, Ga. (AP) — Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan says he doesn’t mind working as a player and a coach during the NFL lockout.

Such is life when players are not allowed to report to work and can’t talk to their bosses.

But the lockout hasn’t kept Ryan from trying to bring his teammates together. He gathered about 30 players for 7-on-7 drills — offense vs. defense — in a scripted session Tuesday on a high school field, 15 minutes south of the Falcons’ training complex.

Ryan says “this is just something to keep us sharp.”

It was the Falcons’ first time together on a field since losing to Green Bay in the playoffs.

Atlanta draft pick Julio Jones has attended some of the passing sessions Ryan has held with Pro Bowl receiver Roddy White, but neither came Tuesday.

Analysis: Falcons, Jags Trades Spice Up NFL Draft

NEW YORK (AP) — An unusual NFL draft, some unusual moves.

The Atlanta Falcons made perhaps the boldest maneuver in the first round of Thursday night’s draft, acquiring the No. 6 overall pick from Cleveland for four picks, including two first-rounders, and choosing Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones.

They hope he will complement All-Pro Roddy White and give Matt Ryan another game-breaking threat.

Four picks later, the traded up six spots with Washington, and went for Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert at No. 10. They also gave up their second-rounder this year.

Auburn quarterback Cam Newton was the No. 1 overall pick by the , but two other QBs were surprise top-12 picks — Jake Locker at No. 8 by the and Christian Ponder at No. 12 by the .

The draft began hours after a federal judge declared the NFL lockout illegal, and the league said players could report to team headquarters beginning Friday.