All Eyes on Vick

When the Falcons begin their 14-session "passing camp", all eyes will be on quarterback Mike Vick because, well, they almost always are fixed on the exciting young player.

But the twin focal points of the team's offseason maneuvering - the wide receiver and secondary positions - will get plenty of attention from those inside the organization.

With 12 wide receivers on the roster, including prized free agent acquisition Peerless Price, a new right cornerback (Tyrone Williams), a new strong safety (Cory Hall), a several new backups like cornerback Tod McBride, rookie cornerback Bryan Scott and rookie safety Waine Bacon, there will be a lot to look over.

Barring an upset, the secondary starters are set with Ray Buchanan returning at left corner and Keion Carpenter at free safety. Also, last year's starting strong safety, Gerald McBurrows, is still in the mix. To be determined are nickel and dime roles for the most part.

Price is set at split end, but Brian Finneran, who led the Falcons with 56 receptions from the flanker spot last season, sees his name written in pencil. MarTay Jenkins, the former Cardinal, is more of a split end with his speed, but will get a shot at unseating Finneran, whose blocking prowess is valued highly by coaches.

"I've never had the luxury of going into camp knowing the job was mine," said Finneran. "I've got MarTay pushing me, and Quentin [McCord] and Trevor [Gaylor] pushing me. Wide receiver and the defensive backfield positions are definitely areas [team officials] have focused on."