10 years ago, the Atlanta Falcons took the NFL by the blindside, going on a roll through the NFC playoffs and making it all the way to the Super Bowl. While Matt Ryan, Kyle Shanahan and their league-best scoring offense gets most of the credit, Atlanta wouldn't have won the conference without the contributions of four rookie starters on defense.
If the Falcons are going to prove all the negative narratives wrong in 2026, they could definitely use some surprise contributions from their rookie class. It sounds like at least one rookie is in the mix to start on defense.
According to Marc Raimondi at ESPN, the team's fourth-round draft pick, former Oklahoma linebacker Kendal Daniels has a legitimate shot to wind up starting next to Divine Deablo.
"The Falcons have trusted him with the green dot at times this summer because of injuries, and Daniels has a legitimate shot at starting at inside linebacker alongside Divine Deablo."
Daniels has looked impressive during the preseason, establishing a physical style and showing sharp instincts against the run. Daniels may not be the only rookie linebacker to see significant playing time in 2026, though. Here's what Raimondi had to say about sixth-round pick, linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. out of LSU.
"The perfect compact and explosive complement to the long, rangy Daniels, Perkins is pushing to get significant playing time, especially because the Falcons need his pass-rushing ability."
Replacing Kaden Elliss was never going to be easy, but if one or both of these rookies can hit the ground running it will help a lot.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: ESPN says Falcons rookie has 'legitimate shot' to start
