Divine Deablo's height, athleticism, and aggressive nature have been at the forefront of the Atlanta Falcons offseason
The former Las Vegas Raiders linebacker has just what the Atlanta Falcons seek on defense: a new identity and an edgy style of athleticism.
Divine Deablo spent four seasons with the Raiders before signing with the Falcons during the offseason. During that time, he was consistent and athletic on defense, always appearing around the football.
Deablo would start 42 of his 54 games spent with the Raiders. His stats speak for themselves. He would total 288 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, six pass defenses, two sacks, and two fumble recoveries.
New Atlanta Falcons LB Divine Deablo makes a tackle last year while playing for the Las Vegas Raiders. Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Raheem Morris would speak about Deablo at Falcons mini-camp, saying, "His athleticism stands out. It's been unique. His length stands out, which has been unique, and really him keying and diagnosing behind the ball probably a lot better than we thought, and I'm really fired up to see that."
Deablo started his career at safety with the Virginia Tech Hokies, but after coming to the NFL, he transitioned to linebacker. Deablo has also been a hit with teammates, and they have noticed the type of talent he is with all of the intangibles.
"I mean, you can see what makes him sick," Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss said. "I think he had probably the best play today in practice, a really good tip. Just came in and knocked the ball out, and I broke it up for us. And he's got the length, he's got the speed, he's got the athleticism, and he's got the mentality."
The Falcons are in the business of establishing a whole new feel for the defense, and Deablo would be asked which part of his skill set would help lessen the number of times that the defense was exploited last season.
"I say my height and my speed, I feel like I'm very tall, 6-foot-3 and ¾, usually I say 6-foot-4. And I'm really fast. So, I think my speed for sure." When Deablo would be asked about the coaching styles of Raheem Morris and Jeff Ulbrich, he would say, "Very energetic. They got a lot of energy. They make sure you come out here ready to work. That's the only thing they want, and that's what we've been doing for them regarding defensive philosophy."
So far, the Falcons coaching staff has been pleased in what Deablo is doing. He will be looked upon to complement Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss. The defense will look much improved from a subpar season last year.
