SALINAS — Each summer when the NFL goes into semi-hibernation for a few weeks in July, Drew Dalman returns to his roots, conditioning on the same Palma School field where it all started.

While a photo of his face is splashed along the outside of the Chieftains weight room with other notable alums, Dalman attempts to be as inconspicuous as possible, until a blocking bag goes for a ride.

“Occasionally he will have some of the kids hold the bag,” Palma coach Jeff Carnazzo said. “He will give them tips. We’re lucky to have Drew around. He’s good with the kids, a natural leader.”

Entering his fourth season with the Atlanta Falcons, Dalman is entrenched at the center position, but also at a crossroads with his contract coming up in the final year of his rookie deal.

By all accounts, the Falcons have been pleased with the 25-year-old’s development since arriving as a fourth-round draft pick from Stanford, having started 31 of the team’s last 34 games.

“I don’t feel it’s added pressure or I have different goals,” Dalman said. “Whether I’m worried or not, my actions are the same. I don’t see it (contract) as a distraction.”

The 6-foot-3, 300-pound Dalman will report to training camp on July 23, where the Falcons are the preseason favorites to win the NFC’s South Division.

“I stick my head in the sand when it comes to that stuff,” Dalman said. “We have expectations each year. No one goes into the year thinking that we’re not capable of winning. It’s the same attitude.”

While it wasn’t the sole reason, Atlanta’s offense struggled with Dalman out of the lineup last year, having missed three games with ankle sprains in both legs.

“His development doesn’t surprise me one bit,” Carnazzo said. “He figures it out and becomes one of the best at what he does. I believe he’s one of the top three or four centers in the NFL.”

Dalman has never read too much into projections or what others at his position are doing. Having the trust in his teammates and coaches is his focal point.

“I don’t ever have a feeling that I have these things down,” Dalman said. “I’m working on all aspects of my game. Outside of my teammates and coaches, my focus becomes pretty narrow.”

An emphasis on improving his pass protection was evident in his development last fall. Yet, for the third straight year, Dalman will be snapping the ball to a new quarterback.

The arrival of Kirk Cousins has only heightened expectations in Atlanta, which is looking to end a seven-year playoff drought.

“It’s great to have all this talent,” Dalman said. “People are excited. But that’s not my focus. I spend all my time worrying about the offensive line and our performance.”

Last season Dalman’s generated a 91.0 grade as a run-blocking center by Pro Football Focus, which was No. 1 among NFL centers.

Despite a lower rating as a pass blocker, Dalman’s 84.2 overall grade was second among centers to Miami’s Connor Williams over the Falcons’ first 14 games last fall.

His improvement in that department was evident in that Dalman allowed just two sacks and five quarterback hits before suffering injuries to both ankles in early December.

“What’s so strong about this kid is Drew develops into a team leader,” Carnazzo said. “It’s happened at each level. He’s just going to continue to get better.”

Dalman, whose father Chris spent eight years as a center with the San Francisco 49ers, stopped short of suggesting the game has slowed down for him.

“I think my instincts have developed each year,” Dalman said. “I’ve gotten better at anticipating. That’s the majority of the improvement. I still have a few things to clean up.”

Dalman wears number 67 on his jersey, the same number his dad wore when the 49ers won their last Super Bowl in 1995. But he has established his own resume with his growth as a player.

“My goals are team-based goals,” Dalman said. “That’s to win a division, get into the playoffs and be in some big, meaningful games in January.”

Contract demands are not part of Dalman’s game plan. Production will provide rewards. His passion for the game is the only criteria that matters for him.

“It’s one of those things where I love the game,” Dalman said. “I enjoy the work that comes with it. I have goals I want to achieve. I just keep plugging away.”

The Herald’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2016, Dalman was the Pacific Coast Athletic League’s Gabilan Division Player of the Year and named to the All-State Medium School team as an offensive lineman.

Earning all-Pac 12 honors at Stanford during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Dalman entered the NFL draft following his redshirt junior season.

While the feeling is his best years are ahead of him, having evolved into a leader on the Falcons offensive line, Dalman doesn’t put a length of time or service on his career.

“I don’t have a timetable as to how long I want to play,” Dalman said. “I believe I have a lot more to offer. People usually don’t get to choose when they’re done. The NFL chooses it for you.”