Despite adding key pieces on offense and defense, not to mention re-signing several core young players, ESPN doesn't seem to think that the Falcons roster stacks up with the upper echelon of the NFL.
Placing the Falcons at 26th, ESPN writers Mike Clay and Seth Walder have the team ahead of only the Bucs, Titans, Texans, Colts, Rams, and Cardinals.
The article called the Falcons strongest unit their defensive line, where they added several key pieces in the offseason - DT David Onyemata, and DE Calais Campbell. The weakest unit, according to ESPN, is the QB spot. "Atlanta is undoubtedly building around its run game, and that was evidenced by its failure to upgrade on 2022 third-round flier Desmond Ridder."
For a team that has a returning 1,000 rusher in Tyler Allgeier, a breakout candidate at receiver in Drake London, a matchup nightmare in Kyle Pitts, and improved offensive line that was one of the better run blocking units in the league, doesn't being 26th seem somewhat low? You throw the potential of Bijan Robinson, the talented AJ Terrell, and the stalwart Grady Jarrett, this is a team not devoid of talent. At all.
Robb Tribble took umbrage with this list and broke it down on the Steakhouse Monday.