When head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Thomas Dimitroff re-signed Kemal Ishmael this offseason, they had a vision in mind on how they would feature him in the years to come.

After playing two years in Quinn's defensive system at strong safety, Ishmael's versatility allowed him the chance to see action at outside linebacker in two games.

And that's where he'll play in the 2017 season.

Quinn cites Ishmael's strong tackling skills as the reason he's able to play both positions at a high level.

"He's a really good tackler," Quinn said on Ishmael's position change. "We play a lot of three-deep zone. He's one of our very best when he plays down low, so why not get him a little closer?"

Despite playing in only 13 games with just four starts, Ishmael finished the season recording 49 tackles, which was the sixth-most on the team.

With just five linebackers on the roster currently, Ishmael's move gives Atlanta more depth at this position.