Flowery Branch, Ga. — Divine Deablo’s journey in the NFL has been one filled with challenges and changes. After four seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he felt both personally and organizationally let down, Deablo sought a fresh start in free agency. His search led him to Atlanta, where he found a sense of stability that had eluded him in Las Vegas.
The Atlanta Falcons recognized Deablo’s potential early on, particularly his physical attributes, which coaches Raheem Morris and Jeff Ulbrich have prioritized in their linebacker evaluations since their previous tenure with the team. At 6-foot-3 with 33-inch arms, Deablo fit a critical mold identified by Ulbrich, who emphasized that arm length correlates directly with a linebacker’s success in the league.
“His profile has been one we’ve had a lot of success in this system with,” Ulbrich remarked. Deablo’s background as a safety at Virginia Tech equipped him with the speed and versatility that Ulbrich sought, suggesting that the combination of speed and length was vital for defensive effectiveness.
Signed to a two-year contract worth $14 million, Deablo was initially seen as a solid but unspectacular addition. However, as the season progressed, he emerged as one of the Falcons’ most impactful veteran signings. His contribution goes beyond statistics; his character and eagerness to collaborate have impressed teammates and coaches alike. “The football character, the character as a man, the teammate that he is,” Ulbrich noted, underscoring Deablo’s positive influence in the locker room.
Deablo’s dynamic presence has already shown its impact on the Falcons’ defense. He currently ranks second on the team with four pass deflections and contributes in various ways, including a sack and a fumble recovery. His ability to cover significant areas on the field has allowed players like safety Jessie Bates to take more calculated risks, bolstering the team’s defensive strategy.
As Deablo adapts to his new role, his efforts to integrate seamlessly into the team culture have not gone unnoticed. He actively reached out to teammates, offering support like, “How can I help you play faster?” This collaborative spirit resonates with defensive players and reinforces the teamwork ethos essential for a successful unit.
After years competing amid tumultuous circumstances, Deablo relishes the newfound camaraderie with the Falcons, stating, “I love this group… They made football fun again.” His determination to maintain this environment drives his commitment, and he expresses a desire to contribute to the team’s success for the long haul.
With Deablo thriving as a crucial component of Atlanta’s defense, the Falcons’ prospects for the season appear to be well on the rise, as he continues to solidify his place as a key player and a role model for his teammates.