:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48936855/GettyImages-462552022.0.jpg)
Lets see what Atlanta Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff is up to at the NFL combine.
Dimitroff on SiriusXM pic.twitter.com/d5hJJItVT7
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) February 25, 2016
To start, he's killing them with those shoe/cowboy boot combinations.
And as for how Dimitroff would answer the cat/dog question, he says whichever is more explosive... I am not making this up. #NFLCombine
— FalconsKelsey (@FalconsKelsey) February 25, 2016
I hate this part of the year. Also, I still think the answer to this question is "dog."
"We're big on hand size," Dimitroff said
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) February 25, 2016
I think hand size and three-cone drill may be the two highest factors used by the Atlanta scouts.
TD: We made strides on the offensive line. They move well and did a solid job, but we will continue to improve. #NFLCombine
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) February 25, 2016
Dimitroff is taking some liberties with the English language, as the offensive line took negative strides through most of the year. The interior line remains a problem.
"We like Jake a lot," Dimitroff on Matthews
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) February 25, 2016
This should be an understatement. Atlanta's two best offensive linemen were Jake Matthews and Ryan Schraeder, and there was no one else close.
TD: Speed has to be at the forefront of our mind as we evaluate. We want to be a fast explosive defense that gets upfield. #NFLCombine
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) February 25, 2016
Dimitroff and Quinn have both highlighted their focus on speed. Most people will pretend the combine drills are overrated, but it sounds as if fast 40 times will get a player some extra interest from the Falcons.
TD: We haven't made any full decisions as it pertains to restricted free agents (Worrilow, Schraeder, Stupar) #NFLCombine
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) February 25, 2016
He should have a pretty good idea on what to do with these guys, but may want to see how some of the prospects look in Indianapolis. I would guess both linebackers get an original round tender, and Schraeder gets at least a 2nd round tender.
"It's a strong draft on both fronts," Dimitroff on the offensive and defensive lines
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) February 25, 2016
Good news for Atlanta. Most of the team's selections should be linemen.
TD: Justin Hardy fit in well with our scheme. We like how he's developing. #NFLCombine
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) February 25, 2016
Hardy came along slowly, but should be penciled into the slot position for 2016. Moving from East Carolina to the NFL was a pretty big transition.
Dimitroff still expecting big things of Tevin Coleman in a tandem with Devonta Freeman
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) February 25, 2016
Coleman remains a favorite of the staff, and should get a great opportunity to earn heavy snaps in the future.
Arkansas TE Hunter Henry told me he met with Falcons TE coach Wade Harman last night. Henry has just one formal interview set up: Falcons.
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) February 25, 2016
Atlanta is doing some due diligence on tight ends, but based on his projected draft spot (early 2nd round), Henry would go earlier than the Falcons should even consider taking a tight end.
Thomas Dimitroff said any decisions regarding Devin Hester's status will occur after he's declared healthy from toe surgery.
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) February 25, 2016
I hope no one bought a Hester jersey, because he is about to get cut.