Forgive Thomas Dimitroff and Dan Quinn if you heard them say 'competes and toughs' repeatedly this weekend. They're more than just words on the walls in Flowery Branch, they're central to the vision for this roster.
"It's a draft class full of guys that represent our culture here," Dimitroff said Saturday following the draft. "Dan Quinn's culture of competitiveness, grittiness, fire along with having athleticism and speed. I think more than ever; this is a full package. The more Dan and I work together, the more we realize what we are looking for culture wise and the type of player on and off the field."
The Falcons added six new names to their roster through the 2017 NFL Draft, and although they play different positions with different strengths and weaknesses, they all share one thing in common: They possesses the core qualities of the culture Quinn wants for this football team.
"It's a draft class full of guys that represent our culture here," Dimitroff said Saturday following the Draft. "Dan Quinn's culture of competitiveness, grittiness, fire along with having athleticism and speed. I think more than ever; this is a full package. The more Dan and I work together, the more we realize what we are looking for culture wise and the type of player on and off the field."
Dimitroff and Quinn were successful in their plan to split the draft in terms of the number of offensive and defensive players.
Atlanta added three athletic defenders in defensive end Takk McKinley (first round pick), linebacker Duke Riley (third round pick) and defensive back Damontae Kazee (fifth round pick).
On offense, the Falcons added three guys who in addition to their athleticism, bring the physical Quinn likes from his players in guard Sean Harlow (fourth round), running back Brian Hill (fifth round) and tight end Eric Saubert (fifth round).
The Falcons addressed the positions they were targeting in this draft and continued to add depth at various positions, all with players who fit their mold.
"There's a real unique style of player we want in our locker room," Quinn said of the 2017 draft class. "We know what a guy stands for as a ball player, as a man and as a teammate. That competitiveness, that toughness, guys that are really driven. Those are the things that we look for."
