There's been a lot of negative energy surrounding the Atlanta Falcons and their recent decisions lately, so we're going to ignore that and take this time to look at the best quotes from their 2024 NFL Draft class. 

The Falcons added eight new rookies to their roster via the draft last week:

• Round 1 Pick No. 8: QB Michael Penix Jr.  
• Round 2 Pick No. 35: DT Ruke Orhorhoro
• Round 3 Pick No. 74: OLB Bralen Trice
• Round 4 Pick No. 109: DT Brandon Dorlus
• Round 5 Pick No. 143: ILB JD Bertrand
• Round 6 pick No. 186: RB Jase McClellan
• Round 6 pick No. 186: WR Casey Washington
• Round 6 Pick No. 197: DT Zion Logue

Now, let's get to know and love them based on one of their post-draft quotes. 

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Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. Brings a Day 1 Starter Mindset 

Although he was a first-round draft selection in the top 10, Penix won't be starting for the Falcons anytime soon. 

Instead, he will be backing up Kurt Cousins. 

But "backup" mentality is not the kind of mentality that he's bringing to Flowery Branch. 

"I'm still going to prepare like I'm going to be on that field because you never know when your number is called, but you got to be ready," Penix said, via the Falcons' official website. "So, for me, I'm going to do whatever I can to be ready on Day 1. I'm still going to put in the same work. I'm going to prepare and I'm going to work as if I'm the starter – no matter what my role is – because I want to do anything I can to help this team win a football game. And for me to do that, I got to be at my best."

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Clemson DT Ruke Orhorhoro isn't Afraid of Dark Alleys

Orhorhoro didn't start playing football until his junior year of high school, but fans should not question his abilities … because he's not afraid of dark alleys. 

And there are a lot of those in Atlanta, so put your money on Orhorhoro. 

"I'm a guy that likes to put my nose in the stuff," Orhororo said, via 11 Alive. "I'll run through a dark alley with you, and I'm a guy that's gonna give you effort every single play." 

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Washington OLB Bralen Trice Here to Hand Out Worst Days

Trice will be in Atlanta to keep his former Huskies teammate Michael Penix on his toes, while also handing out some worst days to opposing quarterbacks. 

"No matter how many times someone tries to block you there's going to be one time where you get through and you get to the quarterback. You put him on the ground or you make it his worst day," Trice said, via the Falcons' official website. "I think that's what's a plus with me, I'm gonna go out there and give you a 120%."

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Oregon DT Brandon Dorlus Brings Serial Killer Vibes

Dorlus might not be out for blood, but the way he looks at quarterbacks is giving major Joe Goldberg vibes. 

And we love that. 

"I used to be the guy who wants to go kill the quarterback," Dorlus said, via the Falcons' official website. "But this last year I was just more detailed in my approach to the quarterback."

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Notre Dame ILB JD Bertrand is Livin the Hometown Hero Dream 

The hometown 'Captain America' kid, who grew up in Rosewell, GA, is just living the dream and couldn't be happier about it. 

“That’s always been the dream,” Bertrand said, via ND Insider. “Now I get an opportunity to continue to improve upon that dream and make it everything I dreamed of.”

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Alabama RB Jase McClellan Won't Back Down from an Uphill Battle 

McClellan will have to work hard to earn a roster spot in an already-established Falcons backfield, but he knows a thing or two about hard work. 

He tore his ACL in 2021 and battled back to become Alabama's No. 1 running back in 2023. 

"Trust in the process, McClellan told reporters of his post-injury comeback. "That's just made me stronger and made me better. I just want to keep going."

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Illinois WR Casey Washington Has Stars in His Eyes 

Washington didn't get many looks out of high school, so this opportunity is truly a dream come true and one that he's not going to take for granted. 

That grateful underdog mindset should play out well for him through training camp. 

"As a kid growing up watching football, like these are stars," Washington said a bit speechless moments after he was selected. "The fact that I have an opportunity to play alongside them and be their teammates is extremely surreal and I'm just incredibly grateful." 

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Georgia DT Zion Logue Brings 'the Juice' 

Logue is all about good vibes and plans to bring the JUICE to the Falcons' locker room daily. Every team needs a guy who brings that stuff.  

"The energy, the juice," Logue said on what he plans to bring to Atlanta. "I want to be able to change the room from the time I walk in, to the time I leave."

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Falcons players wasting no time roasting Kirk Cousins for his ‘dad vibes’

We love it.