HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff looks on during warm ups prior to Super Bowl 51 against the New England Patriots at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

ATLANTA — Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff joined John Fricke and Hugh Douglas on “The Morning Show” to talk about the team as the first weekend of NFL free agency has come and gone and the draft approaches.

The first topic centered around Atlanta’s need to continue building and developing the defense, a work in progress that really shined late in the season.

“Dan does a great job, as do his defensive coaches with regard to developing our talent,” said Dimitroff. “We’re excited about going into the draft defensively, as well. Because we think there is some really good strength in the draft to continue to build.”

When the conversation turned to free agency, Dimitroff gave his thoughts [2:53] on how new Falcon Jack Crawford would fit into the system.

Thomas Dimitroff said Jack Crawford will line up outside in #Falcons base defense & can move inside to 3-technique too. — Knox Bardeen (@knoxbardeen) March 13, 2017

“It is vital to have really nice depth along the defensive line, which we’ve talked about for years,” said Dimitroff. … “He has the strength and the quickness and agility to make some moves and shoot the gap as a three-technique, as well as play the point. He’s just a nice, versatile, high-competitive, high-toughness guy that fits in very well.”

Dimitroff explained why [4:00] some defensive linemen are given extra NFL life because of the way some teams, including the Falcons, utilize a heavy rotation along the D-line.

Dontari Poe was also a talking point when Fricke and Douglas had the Falcons’ general manager on the show.

Thomas Dimitroff said the #Falcons are speaking to Dontari Poe's people & would like to get him to Flowery Branch to speak w/ he & coaches — Knox Bardeen (@knoxbardeen) March 13, 2017

It’s important for the Falcons [5:11] to get Poe into the facility to show him what the team has to offer, as well as letting the coaching staff get to know Poe.

“He’s obviously had some very good seasons in the past,” said Dimitroff. “We believe he, obviously, still has the ability to contribute to a team like us.

Some of the other topics discussed:

How the influx of new coaches will affect the 2017 season. [6:55]

How the Falcons might replace fullback Patrick DiMarco. [9:56]

A Devonta Freeman update, in terms of a new contract. [11:22]

LISTEN HERE: