Atlanta made a big splash in free agency by signing Dontari Poe on Thursday afternoon.
Not only does the addition of the two-time Pro Bowler bolster Atlanta's defensive line, his presence alone instantly impacts the rest of Atlanta's defense, especially Deion Jones.
"He provides physicality," ESPN’s Ryan Clark said of the Poe signing. "He's a guy in the middle that can 2-gap, who can play off blocks and force runners to change direction. When you have a guy like Deion Jones who is a sideline to sideline defender at the linebacker position, having someone who can protect him up front is huge. If you are going to build a team, you want to build it straight down the middle defensively. That starts with the defensive tackle, the linebackers, the safeties, and he's a huge piece of that puzzle for the Atlanta Falcons now."
Grady Jarrett is another player who could benefit from Poe's services. Poe's size and experience at nose tackle gives the Falcons the option to use Jarrett at the three-technique.
Poe has also proven to be a force against the run, an area the Falcons finished the 2016 season ranked 17th. During his five seasons in Kansas City, Poe recorded 201 tackles.
Head Coach Dan Quinn and general manager Thomas Dimitroff have continuously stated their desire to continue to fortify the line of scrimmage, and with the additions of Poe and Jack Crawford, they've done just that.
