--The Falcons hired Lionel Vital as their assistant director of player personnel. Vital, who comes to Atlanta from the Baltimore Ravens, has a fairly lengthy history with GM Thomas Dimitroff and will serve as the first-time GM's right-hand man.

Vital is Dimitroff's second front-office addition since the April 26-27 draft and probably won't be his last. The expected turnover in personnel comes as Dimitroff plans to bring in people he is familiar with.

Former GM Rich McKay, who remains as the team president, hired the majority of the personnel department.

Vital, winner of last season's Fritz Pollard Alliance Scouting Award for the NFL's top African-American scout, becomes the highest-ranking minority in the football personnel department.

--The Falcons are giving Air Force Academy running back/returner Chad Hall a tryout at their minicamp May 10-12. Should Hall get invited back to training camp and eventually make the team, even as a practice squad player, he would be released from his military commitment, according to Hall's agent, Chad Speck.

Hall (5-8, 180) grew up in Atlanta and attended high school in the area before having a solid career as a halfback at Air Force.

Hall actually has a chance to earn a roster spot as a punt and kickoff returner, which is an unsettled position.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"The Falcons' organization is aware of the situation and will have no comment at this time." -- Falcons spokesman Reggie Roberts on the arrest Saturday of linebacker Michael Boley on misdemeanor domestic battery charges.

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