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Atlanta Falcons: Get to know linebacker Duke Riley

By Randy Gurzi

Dec 31, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; LSU Tigers linebacker Duke Riley (4) reacts with defensive back Dwayne Thomas (13) against the Louisville Cardinals during the second half at Camping World Stadium. LSU Tigers defeated the Louisville Cardinals 29-9. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; LSU Tigers linebacker Duke Riley (4) reacts with defensive back Dwayne Thomas (13) against the Louisville Cardinals during the second half at Camping World Stadium. LSU Tigers defeated the Louisville Cardinals 29-9. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Atlanta Falcons used a third round pick on LSU linebacker Duke Riley in the 2017 NFL Draft, what type of player will they be getting?

After trading away their original third round pick, the Atlanta Falcons dropped out of the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft. They were on the board again with the 11th pick in the third round — number 75 overall — which they used on LSU linebacker Duke Riley. He now joins former teammate Deion Jones, who was a second round pick for Atlanta last draft.

Although they nearly weren’t teammates as the Tigers almost didn’t want to offer a scholarship to the Louisiana-born linebacker. Eventually they changed their mind and he was able to play in-state.

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Vitals

Height: 6-foot-0
Weight: 232-Pounds
40-Yard Dash: 4.58
Three-Cone Drill: 6.89
Career Tackles:144

The problem with Riley is there isn’t a ton of film on him. He was a rotational guy who had a lot of players ahead of him throughout his career, like Jones. He did take advantage though once given the opportunity to be a full-time starter in 2016. Riley was able to make plays thanks to his incredible speed and finished the year with 93 tackles, ten for a loss and one interception.

He’s undersized like Jones, who recorded 108 tackles, three interceptions and two touchdowns. They also had nearly identical 40-yard dash times as Riley put up a 4.58 to just barely edge out Jones’ 4.59.

Riley just isn’t as refined. What he does for the Falcons though is give them one of the fastest linebacking corps in the NFL. These guys can fly around the field, which is becoming a trend as head coach Dan Quinn continues to instill his defensive philosophy.

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After taking UCLA edge rusher Takkarist McKinley with their first pick, the selection of Duke Riley only reinforces the fact that Atlanta is perfectly happy with their offense as is. They aren’t as happy it would seem with the defense as they were locked in on improving in that area this draft.