Hold up, Falcons fans! Fourth-round draft pick Kendal Daniels, the former Oklahoma linebacker, isn’t just making noise this summer. ESPN’s Marc Raimondi is reporting he’s got a legitimate shot to start at inside linebacker right alongside Divine Deablo. This isn’t just some summer camp chatter, this is a rookie already commanding trust with the green dot due to injuries, and he’s looking like he could be the surprise spark Atlanta desperately needs to turn things around.
Daniels Is Showing Out, And The Falcons Are Taking Notice
Daniels has looked absolutely legit during preseason play. We’re talking a physical style that makes a statement, and instincts against the run that are razor sharp. When the Falcons handed him the green dot at times this summer, it showed they already trust this kid with critical responsibilities. Think about it: 10 years ago, Atlanta caught the entire NFC off guard with a Super Bowl run, powered in part by four rookie starters on defense. If the Falcons are going to shake off all the negative talk surrounding them in 2026, getting a surprise contribution from a rookie like Daniels isn’t just a bonus, it’s a necessity. This kid could be that game-changer, giving the defense some serious bite right out of the gate.
Don’t Sleep On Harold Perkins Jr. Either
And Daniels might not even be the only rookie linebacker ready to make a major impact. Sixth-round pick Harold Perkins Jr., out of LSU, is also pushing hard for significant playing time. Raimondi calls Perkins “the perfect compact and explosive complement” to Daniels’ “long, rangy” style. Can you imagine that duo? A one-two punch of different but equally potent linebackers. The Falcons absolutely need Perkins’ pass-rushing ability, especially after it was never going to be easy replacing Kaden Elliss. If one or both of these young studs can hit the ground running, man, it’s going to be a huge boost for Atlanta’s defense.
Can Daniels and Perkins really deliver? The Falcons are counting on it. Replacing a guy like Kaden Elliss was never going to be easy, but if these two can step up like they’ve shown flashes of, Atlanta’s defense gets a serious shot in the arm. Keep your eyes glued to these two young linebackers, because if they play like they’re capable of, the Falcons might just rewrite their own narrative this year.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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