On his second day as the Atlanta Falcons’ general manager, Ian Cunningham convened a key meeting with offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, and the team’s scouts. The session took place less than three weeks before the NFL Scouting Combine and a month ahead of free agency.
During the meeting, Rees and Ulbrich reviewed the current roster, shared their vision for each unit, and explained what physical and mental traits they prioritize in players. Head coach Kevin Stefanski commented on their approach: “If there wasn’t a time limit,” Stefanski said, “they would still be going.”
The discussion marked the start of an offseason characterized by urgency and collaboration. Free agency was set to open within days, followed by the draft in two months. With new leadership in place across much of the organization, Cunningham emphasized ongoing communication: “It’s constant communication as we go,” Cunningham said, “sending Brich or sending Tommy players who pique my interest or guys I think they may like or guys I want to confirm: Is this the skillset that you mean when you say this linebacker or this corner or this receiver?”
Stefanski noted that without a first-round pick in the upcoming draft, staff must focus on realistic evaluations. He highlighted how coaches used examples from previous drafts: “What the coaches did a nice job of is they showed some examples of guys who were fifth-round picks, seventh-round picks,” Stefanski said. “They would show a trait that was there that showed what we do, and not being so unrealistic — if you will. I thought the coaches did a really nice job of painting a picture of players that have been acquired, not just in the first round, but later on or through free agency, that you have seen their usage be dependent on the player, their skill.”
According to Stefanski, finding players with one standout ability remains central to Atlanta’s strategy: “If you have one dominant trait, we will find a way to exploit it.”
Since its founding as an expansion team in 1965 (official website), the franchise has reached two Super Bowls (1998 and 2016) (official website) while competing in the NFC South division (official website). The Falcons are based in Atlanta (official website).
As preparations continue for free agency and the draft without a first-round selection this year, Cunningham’s approach reflects deliberate decision-making focused on identifying specific traits needed for success.
