Falcons hire Vital

The Falcons announced the hiring of Lionel Vital as the team's new assistant director of player personnel. Vital was among candidates the Falcons interviewed following the draft to beef up their front office. Last week the Falcons hired former Indianapolis Colts scout David Caldwell as the team's new director of college scouting.

Vital has previous working experience with Dimitroff, having spent a few years working closely together with each other in the New England Patriots organization. Vital's exact responsibilities in his new role with the Falcons has yet to be specified.

Falcons have 2nd highest rookie cap

ESPN's John Clayton reports that the Falcons have the second highest rookie salary cap pool in the league with approximately $7.92 milion. The Falcons will need to find a way to sign all eleven of their draft picks by fitting into that pool. Last season, the Falcons had the same number of picks but had the league's highest rookie cap.

Boley arrested on battery charges

The AJC reports that Falcons linebacker Michael Boley was arrested on Saturday on battery charges and has been released on $1,200 bond.

Falcons officials indicated they are aware of Boley's arrest, but have no comment. Boley last month signed a one-year restricted free agent tender worth over $2 million, and the team has been trying to give him a long-term extension.

Falcons sign Hawaii WR

The Honolulu Advertister reports that the Falcons have signed wide receiver C.J. Hawthorne, formerly of the University of Hawaii.

Hawthorne finished fourth on the team last season with 61 catches for 859 yards and 6 touchdowns. The 5'11" 167 wideout played cornerback as a junior. He had 16 tackles and 1 interception, starting 5 of 14 games that year. He was a transfer from Southwest Gulf Coast Community College.

Falcons hire Caldwell as college scouting director

The Falcons announced the hiring of David Caldwell as the team's new director of college scouting.

Caldwell recently served as western regional scout for the Indianapolis Colts since 2006. The previous eight seasons he was an area scout with the Colts. He also spent two years as a scouting assistant with the Carolina Panthers (1996-97). Caldwell is a graduate of John Carroll University, where he played linebacker.

Falcons add another undrafted safety

According to the Anniston Star, the Falcons haven't finished adding undrafted free agents. The Star reports that Auburn safety Eric Brock has been signed by the team. The 6' 208-pounder was a three-year starter at Auburn at strong safety. He finished his career with 149 tackles, 4 interceptions, and 13 pass breakups.

TheFalcons have really attempted to beef up their secondary the past few days. They drafted three defensive backs on the second day of the draft on Sunday, claimed another safety off waivers on Tuesday, and Brock is the fourth defensive back to sign as an undrafted free agent.

Xanders gets job in Denver

Mike Klis of the Denver Post reports that the Denver Broncos have hired Brian Xanders as an assistant GM. Xanders has been a long-time front office employee and assistant coach with the Falcons, joining the team 14 years ago. According to Klis, the Falcons attempted to entice Xanders to stay, but he opted to leave for Denver where he is expected to have an expansion of his duties that he performs in Atlanta. The past few seasons with the Falcons Xanders has functioned as the team's salary cap manager and chief contract negotiator.

The Falcons are in the process of interviewing candidates to add to their own front office. It's unknown if any of these prospective hires will take over some or all of Xanders's former duties, or if the team will promote from within.