Falcons rookie names two NFL vets he takes inspiration from

Perhaps the most-critical pick the Atlanta Falcons made in the 2026 NFL Draft came in the fourth round when they took Oklahoma's Kendal Daniels. During his time in college, Daniels played safety, but he's considered a hybrid linebacker/safety at the next level.

According to Josh Kendall at The Athletic, Daniels has modeled his game after two NFL vets, one at each position. Daniels named 49ers superstar Fred Warner at linebacker and Browns safety Grand Delpit. Daniels also says he's watched a lot of Divine Deablo, who is projected to start for the Falcons at one of their two inside linebacker spots this year after converting from safety.

"He has tried to model some things in his game after 49ers linebacker Fred Warner, but he admits that sheepishly, because he knows every linebacker says the same thing. He also watches film of Browns safety Grant Delpit. There may be no better model, though, than the player he’ll share a position room with this season. Falcons starter Divine Deablo is 6-3, 225 pounds and a converted safety — just like Daniels."

If nothing else, Daniels comes in an enormous package for a pro linebacker, let alone a safety. At the Scouting combine he measured in at 6-foot-5, 242 pounds with 32.5" arms and 9.5" hands.

Daniels put his profile to work in college, racking up five interceptions, 16 pass breakups, 7.5 sacks and 31.5 tackles for a loss in 54 games split between Oklahoma and Oklahoma State.