Brian Poole’s story is an interesting one. An impressive high school career saw him staying in-state as a five-star recruit for the Florida Gators, having received offers from the majority of the top colleges.

Not tall enough to make his mark on the outside, Poole spent most of his time in the nickel and was often overshadowed in a talented secondary that included Keanu Neal, Vernon Hargreaves, Teez Tabor, Quincy Wilson and Marcus Maye. After sitting through draft weekend without hearing his name called, Poole knew that he would have to work harder than ever if he wanted to achieve his dream of playing in the NFL.

In hindsight, going undrafted might have been the best thing for him. Rather than being forced on to a certain team, Poole was able to take his future into his own hands and it saw him reuniting with a familiar face.

Dan Quinn was the man who recruited him to Florida in 2012 when the Falcons coach was their defensive coordinator. Quinn knew he was versatile and tough and Poole knew that he would be given the chance to earn a roster spot.

When training camp started, it wasn’t long before Poole was turning heads. Jalen Collins’ suspension left an opening in the team’s nickel package and Poole stepped in. . .

Fast forward to the present day and Poole has picked off Cam Newton, crushed Aaron Rodgers and levelled Russell Wilson. He’s been part of a defensive unit that both terrorized Tom Brady and was picked apart by him in the Super Bowl.

On most teams his play would have guaranteed him further playing time, but the Falcons have one of the best cornerback groups in the league.

Desmond Trufant is a Pro Bowler, while Robert Alford showed the ability to match up against the league’s best receivers, earning himself a lucrative multi-year extension. It looked as if Jalen Collins might be the odd man out, having missed the beginning of the season to suspension and, upon returning, finding himself on the inactive list. When given the chance, though, he showed exactly why the team used an early pick on him.

What will his role be in 2017?

Barring an unexpected draft or an injury, Poole will enter the season as the 4th cornerback. His 834 snaps on defense during the regular season was 2nd only to Robert Alford’s 1081 among cornerbacks on the roster. By comparison, the player who spent most time in the 4th cornerback role was C.J. Goodwin, who played 116 snaps (10.44 percent). Further down the depth chart were Ayodeji Olatoye and Blidi Wreh-Wilson, who played 83 and two regular season snaps, respectively.

Even if Poole took all of those snaps, it would still only see him playing 201 snaps out of the 1111 that the Falcons faced (18.09%). In addition to cornerback, one way that he might be able to see the field more is as a backup safety.

Keanu Neal is locked in as the starter at strong safety after an exceptional rookie season, while Ricardo Allen is a solid NFL starter at free safety who has taken on more of a leadership role recently. As things stand, there isn’t much depth behind them, though.

Kemal Ishmael’s re-signing is insurance for Neal, whose hard-hitting style comes with injury risks. The former 7th round pick impressed as a starter at weakside linebacker when given the opportunity. He’s seen the field at free safety in the past, but is better as an enforcer.

If Ishmael is likely to be the backup at SS and WLB then the backup FS competition could be between Poole and Sharrod Neasman. Neasman is more suited to playing SS in the Falcons’ scheme and Poole cross-training at FS could signal the end of his time in Atlanta.

The Falcons were lucky with injuries to their safeties in 2016. The combination of Neasman, Dashon Goldson and Robenson Therezie combined for only 57 defensive snaps during the regular season. Counting on the same happening again would be a risk and Poole’s coverage ability, understanding of the defense and willingness to make tackles could make him the perfect understudy to Allen.

Highest graded rookie CBs in the NFL in 2016 1. James Bradberry, 82.6

2. Jalen Ramsey, 82.3

3. Tavon Young, 80.3

4. Brian Poole, 77.5 — Gordon McGuinness (@PFF_Gordon) February 1, 2017

Brian Poole has every right to be upset. He was an undrafted free agent who far outplayed his contract as a rookie. Pro Football Focus had him graded as the 4th best rookie cornerback in the NFL, higher than 1st round picks Eli Apple, Vernon Hargreaves and Artie Burns. If there was a re-draft today then he could easily find himself as a mid-round pick. Unfortunately for him, he finds himself in one of the most talented cornerback groups in the league with size that limits him to the slot.

Poole should enter the season as a key component of the Falcons’ dime defense, playing as a slot cornerback on obvious passing downs. He is also likely to be the leading candidate to serve as the backup free safety.

With Eric Weems and Paul Worrilow departing, he should also continue to be an important part of Keith Armstrong’s special teams unit. While he may not spend as much time on the field as he did during his rookie season, he will still be an important part of the team’s plans.