Falcoholinks: All the Falcons news you need for Monday, Apr. 8

It’s Monday morning, so that means we’ve got a fresh slate of Falcoholinks to start your week. Continue reading for the news and storylines you may have missed.

DQ on Dirk

Dirk Koetter is back for his second go-round as the Atlanta Falcons’ offensive coordinator, and his return raised some immediate questions. Will the current offensive scheme remain intact? Will Koetter’s arrival feature a more prominent downfield passing attack? Wait; Dirk Koetter?

Dan Quinn opened up on his decision to bring in Koetter as the Falcons’ new OC, and reiterated that the team will still run the zone that was installed when Kyle Shanahan came on board. He also confirmed that while Matt Ryan was not directly involved in the hiring process, his familiarity and comfort with Koetter was definitely a factor in eventually offering him the job.

Quinn also expounded on the desire to focus more on the run, and while Koetter is known for his pass-happy offenses, working with a running back like Devonta Freeman should allow him to strike a successful balance on offense.

MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOCK

Another fresh Falcoholic mock to whet your appetite for the draft. This the seventh iteration of Kevin Knight’s mock draft features familiar faces, a focus on the trenches, and trades. Give it a read right here.

Damontae Kazee’s Role

Damontae Kazee put the league on notice in 2018, nabbing seven interceptions (which was tied for the league lead) and earning the team’s highest coverage grade per Pro Football Focus. His ascension made cornerback Brian Poole expendable, and while he spent most of the season filling in for Ricardo Allen at free safety, he’s expected to log the bulk of his snaps at nickel corner.

Or frankly, wherever he’s needed — because the Falcons simply can’t keep him off the field. The man is just too good.

Talkin’ Tackles

While the Falcons signed offensive tackle Ty Sambrailo to a lucrative multi-year contract, Kevin Knight argues that it will not prevent Atlanta from drafting their right tackle of the future in the 2019 NFL Draft.

The structure of Sambrailo’s deal affords the Falcons the flexibility to draft an offensive tackle early and allow him the time to develop at the NFL-level. Should that occur and the new draftee excel, Ty Sambrailo’s deal is still not cost-prohibitive for a swing tackle.