So far the Atlanta Falcons haven't gotten much of an impact from their first two draft picks, cornerback Avieon Terrell and wide receiver/returner Zachariah Branch. That's just fine for now and they have plenty of time to grow into their respective roles. Especially because the Falcons are getting some surprise contributions from a pair of Day 3 picks.
That would be rookie linebackers Kendal Daniels and Harold Perkins, who have both had impressive seasons so far - including a breakout game in Sunday's win over the San Francisco 49ers.
Perkins has been excellent in coverage since the season began - but Daniels stormed onto the stage in a big way this past week, forcing two clutch turnovers against the best team in the NFL right now. It sounds like
Daniels is on his way to bigger and better things for this defense.
Here's what defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich had to say about Daniels, per Josh Kendall at The Athletic.
“If you sit down with Kendal, his acumen, his intelligence, the way he can articulate the game are all exceptional — not just for a young player, but for any player,” defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich said."
Drafting Day 3 gems are how good teams turn into great ones - and the more the Falcons get from Daniels the better. If he and Perkins continue growing along with criminally underrated veteran Divine Deablo, Atlanta may soon have one of the best linebacker groups in the league.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Jeff Ulbrich shares high praise for breakout Falcons rookie
