"With less than 30 hours before the Falcons open training camp, the team has officially entered the %u2018Holdout Zone%u2019.

After turning the first round upside down with the $72 million signing of quarterback Matt Ryan, the Falcons appear to be waiting for the market to settle around left tackle Sam Baker (21st overall) and second round middle linebacker Curtis Lofton.

It%u2019s not big deal if they don%u2019t report with the rest of the squad between 2-5 p.m. on Friday, but it%u2019s absolutely imperative that both of the rookies are on the field at 8:30 a.m. Saturday for the first practice.

Both could land starting spots, but need the action so they can earn their spots and win the respect of the veterans and the coaching staff.

Signings in the middle of the first round have been slow. Detroit signed Gosder Cherilus, the 17th pick, to a five-year deal. Baltimore signed quarterback Joe Flacco, to a five-year, $30 million deal.

Last season%u2019s 21st pick, safety Reggie Nelson, signed a five-year deal worth $9.55 million with Jacksonville.

Baker%u2019s agent and the Falcons have been mum all week, but Ben Dogra%u2019s firm, Creative Arts Agency, worked well with the Falcons on the Ryan deal and know the importance of Baker being in camp on time."