The Atlanta Falcons defense has shown significant improvement throughout the preseason. One guy that has been a gem for this team is rookie defensive back Brian Poole. His hard work paid off for him when he was kept on the roster this day when NFL teams had to cut their rosters down to 53 men.
At 5’10” and 213 lbs., Poole distinguished himself during both his sophomore and junior seasons at the University of Florida; totaling 77 tackles, six interceptions, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. Although he failed to record a pick as a senior, he finished second in the SEC in 2014 with four interceptions.
Undrafted players often don’t get the chance to have meaningful snaps which enable them to secure a roster spot. With second-year cornerback Jalen Collins facing a four-game suspension due to a violation of the league’s policy on performing-enhancing substances, the door was opened for Poole to run with the first-team defense.
The former Gator saw time at the nickel spot as well as the safety position during the preseason. His versatility makes him a valuable player that can give a team depth and the ability to mix it up giving the opposing team’s offenses a different look.
The Falcons look to be stronger in their defensive front seven and have a better chance of getting consistent pressure on the quarterback. This will help out their secondary if there are reliable guys back there that can make plays.
The combination will be huge as the Falcons try to take that next step to contend for the NFC South division title.
The Atlanta Falcons unofficial final roster is:
OFFENSE
WR: 11 Julio Jones, 16 Justin Hardy, 14 Eric Weems
LT: 70 Jake Matthews, 76 Tom Compton
LG: 67 Andy Levitre, 71 Wes Schweitzer
C: 51 Alex Mack, 63 Ben Garland
RG: 65 Chris Chester, 68 Mike Person
RT: 73 Ryan Schraeder
TE: 83 Jacob Tamme, 81 Austin Hooper, 80 Levine Toilolo, 82 Joshua Perkins
WR: 12 Mohamed Sanu, 19 Aldrick Robinson, 15 Nick Williams
QB: 2 Matt Ryan, 8 Matt Schaub
RB: 24 Devonta Freeman, 26 Tevin Coleman, 28 Terron Ward
FB: 42 Patrick DiMarco
DEFENSE
DE: 99 Adrian Clayborn, 50 Brooks Reed, 93 Dwight Freeney
DT: 94 Tyson Jackson, 95 Jonathan Babineaux
DT: 97 Grady Jarrett, 91 Courtney Upshaw
DE: 90 Derrick Shelby, 77 Ra’Shede Hageman
LB: 44 Vic Beasley Jr., 41 Philip Wheeler
LB: 55 Paul Worrilow, 45 Deion Jones, 53 LaRoy Reynolds
LB: 56 Sean Weatherspoon, 59 De’Vondre Campbell
CB: 23 Robert Alford, 29 C.J. Goodwin
CB: 21 Desmond Trufant, 34 Brian Poole
S: 37 Ricardo Allen, 27 Robenson Therezie
S: 22 Keanu Neal, 36 Kemal Ishmael, 38 Dashon Goldson
SPECIALISTS
K: (FG): 3 Matt Bryant
P & KO: 5 Matt Bosher
KR: 26 Tevin Coleman, 14 Eric Weems
PR: 14 Eric Weems, 16 Justin Hardy, 15 Nick Williams
LS: 47 Josh Harris
H: 5 Matt Bosher