Grand Forks, N.D. -- Shortly after the conclusion of the 2016 National Football League Draft, North Dakota linebacker Will Ratelle signed as a free agent with the Atlanta Falcons. 

The Edina, Minn., native was a first team All-Big Sky selection in 2015 after leading the Fighting Hawks with 110 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and 4.0 sacks. He surpassed the century mark in tackles in back-to-back seasons, propelling UND's defense to be one of the top units in the Big Sky Conference over the past two seasons.

"I am excited to be a Falcon and join the franchise in Atlanta," Ratelle said. "There were a lot of variables that went into this decision, but in the end, the Falcons were the team I felt gave me the best chance to succeed at the professional level."

Ratelle is the program's second Division I player to sign with an NFL team since the Fighting Hawks made the move to the highest level of college football prior to the 2008 season. Former wide receiver Greg Hardin went to training camp with the Denver Broncos prior to the 2014 season.

-- UND --