The Falcons envision using Turner and Jerious Norwood as a 1-2 running punch similar to how the Jaguars use Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew. Turner loves being out of LaDainian Tomlinson's shadow, with a chance to prove he can flourish as a No. 1 back.

"That's what I've always wanted, but I just happened to be drafted by a team that already had that kind of guy," says Turner, entering his fifth season. "But it gave me a chance to watch how L.T. handled everything — interviews, defenses gunning to stop him, the wear and tear. I've seen it. I'm ready."

But the fate of the Falcons' running game depends largely on the unproven line's ability to open running lanes. The Falcons were 26th in the NFL in rushing last season, averaging just 95.0 yards per game. Turner spent part of his time at minicamp getting to know his new linemen. "I'm going to take them out to dinner at training camp," Turner says. "That's how you bond with linemen."

After the Falcons drafted Ryan, general manager Thomas Dimitroff felt he had to get a player who could protect his new quarterback, so he traded up to get Baker at No. 21. Even if Ryan does not start right away, the team hopes Baker will. The Falcons started four different players at left tackle in 2007, and they'd love Baker to anchor the position for the next decade. But if Baker starts before he is ready, defensive ends will step over him on their way to the quarterback.

Right now, Baker is not ready.

"His head's spinning," says Falcons offensive line coach Paul Boudreau. "I think it's been an eye-opener for him. I talked to him. He's got to be in better shape. You're not ready to play a football game right now. I think he knows that. He's a smart enough kid to know. I told him there's three speeds — preseason speed, regular-season speed and playoff speed. You've just touched on it right now. It's going to get faster."

Baker knows he has work to do, and that's about all he's focused on since arriving in Atlanta. "All I've seen is Flowery Branch," he says.

One of Baker's mentors is Jackie Slater, a Hall of Fame offensive lineman and family friend who has worked with Baker on technique. Slater believes Baker will develop into a Pro Bowl player.

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"We talk about his technique all the time, and he knows more about how to play offensive line than a lot of guys coming into the league," says Slater. "The Falcons will be glad they got him."

Boudreau looks forward to training camp and the chance to get Baker in pads. "Everybody looks pretty good running around here in shorts," says Boudreau. "I think Sam will accept the challenge. He's been in two national championship games, played at the highest level, started for three years.

"He's going to have a bull's-eye on his back because he's a left tackle and a rookie. But you have to put those pads on and bang for two-a-days this summer. Then we'll see what he's made of."

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