Falcons defensive rookies making a splash, putting in work
The Atlanta Falcons used free agency and the 2016 NFL draft to add depth and find talent to fit coach Dan Quinn's style of play, well they have done just that by finding three rookies on the defensive unit that have been a good fit.
Keanu Neal has had a couple of setbacks with knee surgeries but he has been all the Falcons though he would be when they drafted him as their first round pick in the offseason. Neal is a hybrid safety/linebacker that can lay the BOOM on defenders and help in the run game. His 3 forced fumbles leads the team.
Neal is a hit machine as he has put himself near the top of the list as one of the better tacklers on the team
Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
The Falcons 2nd round pick Deion Jones came in with high expectations and he hasn't disappointed as he has taken over as the signal caller on defense, putting Paul Worrilow on special teams and occasional relief duties. Jones is a threat sideline to sideline and he can cover in the passing game which is a major upgrade at that position in years.
Jones has good cover skills which made him a great choice to fit in Quinn's system
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
De'Vondre Campbell is a young linebacker that has an upside through the roof and if he can get a bit more mentoring from Dwight Freeney he could save the Falcons money down the road on pass rushing help. The 4th round pick is a major part of special teams and situational pass rush downs.
Campbell has a bright upside if he stays healthy
Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
One of the Falcons biggest steals came when they signed Brian Poole an undrafted free agent from the university of Florida. Poole has maybe been the biggest suprise as he has played the safety/nickel back as good as you can ask of a rookie. Poole has the skill to take over Allen's spot in the near future.
Poole shows that hard work pays off as he went undrafted and has played a vital role as a backup on the Falcons up and coming defense
Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
This rookie class has helped the Falcons tremendously this season and even though they are going through the early pains of starting an NFL career, these rookies are going to give the Falcons depth and flexibility for some time to come.
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