Falcons GM Terry Fontenot: 'We Always Want Versatile Players!'
During the offseason, Atlanta Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot established a trend of acquiring versatile players for the team's roster.
When questioned by the media about paying versatile talents in the future, Fontenot emphasized the team's desire for all-around players at every position.
"Obviously, there's a business side to all of it and there are all those challenges, not only on offense but also on defense. You talk about a guy like Jessie Bates - he can cover, he can pressure, he can play the run, you can move down in the box, you can play him deep- we always want versatile players. You look at Kaden Elliss - he's played the MIKE, he's played inside, he's played outside on the edge, he's rushed - we want versatile players at every position because that's the type of football team we have," Fontenot said.
In addition to acquiring versatile players like Bates and Elliss through free agency, Fontenot also utilized the draft to bolster the team's roster with all-around talents. Among their selections, the Falcons picked running back Bijan Robinson with the No. 8 overall pick. While some debated whether his position warranted such a high selection, both Fontenot and coach Arthur Smith made it clear that Robinson's value extends beyond being just a running back, and he will be used in various roles.
As Robinson, Elliss, and Bates enter their first season in Atlanta, they will look to use their versatile talents to help the Falcons return to the postseason for the first time since 2017.
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