Falcons LB Divine Divine Deablo named biggest surprise from OTAs

The Atlanta Falcons were fairly quiet during NFL free agency, signing just a handful of players at positions of need. Edge rusher Leonard Floyd and safety Jordan Fuller were arguably the most notable signings, but don’t sleep on linebacker Divine Deablo.

The 26-year-old started 14 games for the Las Vegas Raiders last season, recording 63 tackles (35 solo) and one sack. Since the Falcons did not re-sign Nate Landman or Lorenzo Carter in free agency, Deablo should at the very least provide depth.

However, the team seems to think the veteran linebacker will play more than just a depth role this season. Deablo impressed during Atlanta’s offseason program and could be in line for a starting role if he has a good camp.

In a new feature from ESPN, Marc Raimondi named Deablo as the Falcons’ biggest surprise of OTAs:

The Falcons didn’t have the salary-cap room to make any huge splashes in free agency this offseason. But the team thinks they really found something in Deablo, whose base salary is only $1.66 million this season. Head coach Raheem Morris has been impressed with Deablo’s size (6-foot-3), length and speed. Even more than that, Morris believes Deablo is capable of wearing the green dot as kind of the quarterback of the defense. It sounds like the former Raider has a solid chance at a starting job at inside linebacker alongside Kaden Elliss. — Marc Raimondi, ESPN

The Falcons also have former second-round pick Troy Andersen, who played well before his season was cut short due to injury. Andersen is entering the final year of his rookie contract and has a lot to prove after an up-and-down first couple of years in Atlanta.

Another option could be to use first-round pick Jalon Walker in a hybrid off-ball linebacker/edge role this season. The rookie played a similar role at Georgia, and since the team has both Floyd and James Pearce Jr. on the roster, there’s no reason to rush Walker along this season.

It all comes down to what defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich thinks is best for the team. For now, though, it would be wise not to overlook Deablo.