NFL analyst pinpoints Falcons Day 3 pick who could end up starting

Generally speaking, NFL teams don't want to have to rely on rookies to play a lot of snaps in their first year in the league. Sometimes they come in and make a splash right away - Atlanta's stellar class of 2016 comes to mind - but most rookies need time to get adjusted to the speed of the pro game.

There are exceptions to the rule, though - and the Falcons may have one of them on their roster. In the fourth round they picked Oklahoma linebacker Kendal Daniels, who may end up competing for starting snaps according to NFL.com.

"Atlanta lost leading tackler Kaden Elliss in free agency, opening the door for Daniels to compete against former Texans LB Christian Harris. Like the Falcons’ Divine Deablo, Daniels is a former safety who transitioned to linebacker. Daniels is not the fastest ‘backer in the class, but he's a terror as a downhill player who stops ball-carriers."

Daniels (6-foot-5, 242 pounds) has more than just plus size for the position. Lance Zierlein's scouting report applauds his length, range and speed. On the downside, he's still learning to play linebacker after serving as a safety in college and needs to work trusting his instincts.

For now, Harris and Deablo should be penciled in as Week 1 starters - but if they struggle or get injured Daniels could end up playing significant snaps in Year 1.

No matter how it goes in 2025, Daniels should be considered a long-term favorite to start at the second level.