Falcons pick OL Drew Dalman with 114th selection in Round 4

After selecting Darren Hall with their first fourth round pick just a few minutes prior, the Falcons have continued addressing their offensive line with the selection of Drew Dalman out of the University of Stanford.

His dad is Chris Dalman, if the name sounds familiar, who was a starter at Stanford and went on to play for a Super Bowl-winning 49ers team in his seven year NFL career. That pedigree is impressive, but it’s obviously not the reason the team made the pick.

Kevin Knight on Falcoholic Live called Dalman a really good athlete, and speculates that there may not be satisfaction with Matt Hennessy as an unquestioned starter at center. Dalman does need to put on more weight and seems to be a depth play for 2021, but you never know with a new coaching staff in town and hand-selecting him. He will step into the role of the primary backup center with a chance to possibly start if Hennessy falters at all in camp. Atlanta probably made this pick with the intention that he’ll potentially be able to slot in to a starting job over the long haul, but even if he tops out as a quality reserve on the interior, the Falcons will be happy to have him. The line is obviously a priority for Arthur Smith and company.

Dalman becomes a player who will be active in a spirited competition in Training Camp. This is the second pick Terry Fontenot has made addressing the offensive line thus far, after selecting Jalen Mayfield in Round 3. This goes in line with the strategy the New Orleans Saints have embarked on in recent years addressing the offensive line.

Round 1, Pick 4: TE Kyle Pitts, Florida

Round 2, Pick 35: S Richie Grant, UCF

Round 3, Pick 68: OL Jalen Mayfield, Michigan

Round 4, Pick 108: CB Darren Hall, San Diego State

Round 4, Pick 114: OL Drew Dalman, Stanford

Round 5, Pick 148

Round 5, Pick 182

Round 5, Pick 183

Round 6, Pick 187