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The Atlanta Falcons knew Brian Poole was a talented football player. That’s why they made signing Poole a priority in the week following the 2016 NFL draft. The former Florida Gators defensive back was ridiculed by so-called draft experts who fretted about his short stature and merely average playing speed. One thing is certain: he showed them.
Poole helped anchor the Falcons secondary in 2016, playing in every regular season game and starting two post-season games. As if his 59 tackles, 10 passes defended, and 1 interception weren’t enough, the man has pass rushing skills. (Just ask Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers.)
Brian Poole rushed the passer 25 times last season, leading all cornerbacks with his 11 total quarterback pressures. pic.twitter.com/eLflC2ensl
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) April 25, 2017
It’s not clear whether Dan Quinn intends to keep Poole in the slot of move him to safety. Either way he’s way more valuable than his status as a former undrafted free agent would suggest.