Atlanta Falcons coach Dan Quinn couldn't help but smile when talking about draft prospect Tanoh Kpassagnon from Villanova.

The 6-foot-7-inch, 289-pound defensive end is an intriguing talent, with 36-inch arms and the ability to run the 40-yard dash in 4.83 seconds. Not to mention Kpassagnon tied top prospect Myles Garrett for the second-best broad jump among defensive linemen at the NFL combine.

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"He did a fantastic job out in Indy," Quinn said of Kpassagnon. "I think he's really ascending. And he's a cool guy. He's going to do well, because it's in his mindset to do well. He's not kidding himself or laughing about it. He's not kidding himself that he's got work to do."

Quinn recently conducted a private workout with Kpassagnon, and Kpassagnon came away from the workout confident he performed well. He also appreciated the connection he made with Quinn.

"Well, it was awesome to have such a defensive genius say good things about you," Kpassagnon said of Quinn. "But what impressed me the most was how real and honest he was. And just how helpful he was by telling me what to expect through the whole process."

ESPN’s Todd McShay projects Kpassagnon a third-rounder in his latest prospect rankings, but his workout circuit could convince some to take a chance on him earlier. Quinn is looking for more pass-rush help to complement Vic Beasley Jr., who had a breakout second year with a NFL-leading 15.5 sacks to go with six forced fumbles. The Falcons hold the 31st, 63rd, and 95th picks in the first three rounds of the draft and need a pass-rusher along with an offensive guard, above all.

Kpassagnon final college totals included 105 tackles, 37.5 tackles for losses, and 22 sacks. He was an FCS All-American this past season and a three-time All-Academic performer as a finance major.

When asked what role he could envision himself playing in the Falcons' defense, Kpassagnon said simply, "I see myself on the edge, rushing the passer."

Playing for a small school hasn't dettered teams' enthusiasm about Kpassagnon. Here is what one AFC scout had to say about the Villanova product:

"Big and fast. Built like a Greek god. No instincts though and is behind football-wise. He's got starter's tools, but it may take a little time to develop."

Quinn is known for developing pass-rushers and now has former All-Pro defensive tackle Bryant Young as his defensive line coach. Kpassagnon just might be a guy the Falcons can mold into a dominant force for years to come.