At the start of the offseason, it felt like a given that Christian Harris would be the Atlanta Falcons' second starting linebacker next to Divine Deablo. But just a couple of months later, fourth-round rookie Kendal Daniels has managed to throw a wrench into that idea after an impressive summer.
Daniels was a standout throughout training camp and the preseason to the point where he was forcing the Falcons to re-consider their stance in real time. After all, starting Deablo next to a carbon copy of himself was ultimately too tempting for Jeff Ulbrich to consider given the immense upside.
The Falcons released their initial Week 1 depth chart, and instead of rolling with Harris as the LB2 due to seniority, they're choosing to roll with the rookie. Daniels was listed as the second starter in a twist that isn't surprising if you were paying attention to what happened this summer in Flowery Branch--even though he spent all summer working behind Harris
Kendal Daniels was listed as a starter on the Falcons' Week 1 depth chart
As if Ian Cunningham and Kevin Stefanski needed any more reminders that trading down to pick 136 and drafting Kendal Daniels was a sensational move. Throughout the summer, he took on more and more first-team reps to the point this staff knew they had to get him on the field as early as possible.
The Falcons signed Harris in free agency thinking he could establish himself as Deablo's perfect running mate if given the opportunity, but the 23-year-old had other plans. He's been getting rave reviews all summer: from other players, coaches, and his trash talk has also captured some attention.
Even just a couple of months ago, things looked vastly different. For as promising as Daniels looked, you would've been insane to suggest he would've started from the jump. Starting him near the middle of the season felt more feasible, but him starting Week 1 is telling of how this staff feels about him.
The most interesting part of this is the freshness Stefanski is offering here. It would've been incredibly easy for him to take the path of least resistance and just start the veteran he signed in free agency, but being willing to start the best man for the job rather than evaluate the two based off any external circumstances or how much the franchise invested in them.
The 6-foot-5, 242-pound converted safety from Oklahoma is an athletic freak, and it does behoove the Dirty Birds to get a guy with his versatility on the field early and often. it was only a matter of time before Kendal Daniels carved out a key role, so hopefully he's able to take advantage in Pittsburgh on Sunday.
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