The Atlanta Falcons are navigating the 2020 offseason through a quarantine, but are doing whatever they can to prepare for the upcoming virtual NFL draft.
General manager Thomas Dimitroff held a video conference with the local media and touched on a variety of subjects, including Todd Gurley’s signing and the team’s draft plans.
Here are all the biggest notes to come out of Dimitroff’s interview, as tweeted by different Falcons beat reporters.
On Todd Gurley officially signing his one-year contract despite passing a physical:
Thomas Dimitroff on Todd Gurley pic.twitter.com/fqtcsFTFGW
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) April 7, 2020
Thomas Dimitroff said the team has not ruled out looking at another speed back in the draft despite thinking Gurley remains explosive.
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) April 7, 2020
Dimitroff also said he is a big believer in spreading the ball around at running back regardless of Gurley’s status. Gurley has dealt with a left knee issue.
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) April 7, 2020
Thomas Dimitroff said he feels good about Todd Gurley passing his physical. He hasn’t been able to take one yet.
— Jason Butt (@JasonHButt) April 7, 2020
There is no set date for when Todd Gurley will take his physical with the Falcons due to the COVID-19. All the incoming free-agents will have their physicals completed by the team physicians at the appropriate time. No independent physicals elsewhere.
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) April 7, 2020
On recently-acquired tight end Hayden Hurst:
Thomas Dimitroff said team thought about adding Hayden Hurst coming out of college
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) April 7, 2020
Thomas Dimitroff said the trade for Hayden Hurst will benefit the Falcons due to his “really good speed and athleticism.” Said they looked at him in the 2018 draft but decided against it because of where they were with Austin Hooper at the time.
— Jason Butt (@JasonHButt) April 7, 2020
On the team’s draft philosophy amid the COVID-19 outbreak:
Thomas Dimitroff gave us a look at what his draft room at his house will look like on draft weekend. #Falcons pic.twitter.com/BNxHnalPtK
— Kelsey Conway (@FalconsKelsey) April 7, 2020
Dimitroff says the #Falcons still do believe in drafting for need and fit, but the hope is one of the best players on the board could fill that spot.
— William McFadden (@willmcfadden) April 7, 2020
Dimitroff says "you really can't have enough corners." #Falcons
— William McFadden (@willmcfadden) April 7, 2020
On free agent Robert Quinn reportedly flipping a coin to pick between the Bears and Falcons:
Thomas Dimitroff said with the Robert Quinn/Dante Fowler Jr. situation, both players were interested in playing for Dan Quinn and living in Atlanta. Quinn flipped the coin and went to Chicago. He was the first choice.
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) April 7, 2020
Dimitroff says it was interesting to hear Robert Quinn's decision "came down to a coin flip." #Falcons
— William McFadden (@willmcfadden) April 7, 2020
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