Atlanta Falcons Soar into ESPN's Rankings

It is ranking season across the NFL, and ESPN has taken part in their yearly ranking of top-ten players for every position on the field. League executives, scouts and coaches were surveyed on the ten best players in each position in the NFL from quarterback all the way to safety heading into 2024. Where did the Atlanta Falcons players land amongst these rankings, if any at all? Let’s take a look:

Jessie Bates III, Safety

Jessie Bates was ranked third in the ranking of top-ten safeties . Bates was placed behind Tampa Bay Buccaneers ’ Antoine Winfield Jr. and Baltimore Ravens ’ Kyle Hamilton.

Bates was ranked first among safeties in ball hawk rate (28.2%) and third overall in interceptions (six).

Bates has long been excellent against the pass, but his all-around game, including run support, have improved. He finished with a career-high 132 tackles.

It's not surprising at all to see Atlanta's best player on defense crack the top-ten for ESPN. Bates should without a doubt continue to dominate in the secondary for the Falcons and remain as one of the best safeties in the entire league in 2024.

Bijan Robinson, Running Back

Bijan Robinson was ranked sixth in the ranking of top-ten running backs . Robinson was placed behind:

• No. 1: San Francisco 49ers ’ Christian McCaffrey
• No. 2: New York Jets ’ Breece Hall
• No. 3: Cleveland Browns ’ Nick Chubb
• No. 4: Philadelphia Eagles ’ Saquon Barkley
• No. 5: Indianapolis Colts ’ Jonathan Taylor

Robinson didn't quite validate the hype as a rookie. His 976 rushing yards in 2023, which tied for 15th in the league, fell short of projections for the No. 8 pick in a run-heavy offense.

To be sure, Robinson's usage--despite his obvious ability to shake defenders--was curious at times. Robinson got more than 15 carries in four of 17 games.

Robinson had a tough time showcasing his talents in his rookie year, which could be mostly due to former head coach Arthur Smith's failure to use the running back properly. Everyone knows Robinson's talent, and going into 2024 with a new head coach as well as a new offensive coordinator, Robinson could see himself trend up this ranking and be much closer to the top when this list comes around again next offseason.

Chris Lindstrom, Offensive Lineman

Chris Lindstrom was ranked second in the ranking of top-ten interior offensive linemen . Lindstrom was placed only behind Dallas Cowboys ’ Zack Martin.

Lindstrom was tremendous in 2022, earning a five-year, $102.5 million extension from Atlanta minutes before free agency.

With other stars aging or declining, Lindstrom capitalized on a weaker field to jump six spots over last year. While he failed to appear on every ballot, his percentage of top-two votes (44%) was impressive.

Lindstrom is easily one of the best offensive guards in the entire league. He continues to prove it year after year, leading to Pro Bowl and NFLPA All-Pro honors in prior years. He may very well be the best overall player on the team and he has shown no signs of slowing down. With Lindstrom locked in with the team until at least 2028, he should only continue to be a reliable force on this offensive line.

A.J. Terrell, Cornerback

A.J. Terrell did not make the top-ten cornerbacks ranking , but was listed as an honorable mention at the end of the rankings.

Over four seasons with the Falcons, Terrell has 36 pass breakups and four interceptions. 'I love the player, the size and coverage ability, but where's the ball production?' an NFL personnel evaluator said.

Terrell has not had an interception since 2021, which may be worrisome, but his physicality tends to make up for his lack of interceptions. In 2024, Terrell will have a brand new defensive coordinator in Jimmy Lake who knows a thing or two about getting the best out of defensive backs. With a contract extension looming for the team's star cornerback, Terrell needs to have a stellar season this year to not only justify an extension, but to see himself amongst the top-ten next offseason.

Kirk Cousins, Quarterback

Kirk Cousins did not make the top-ten quarterbacks ranking , but was listed as an honorable mention at the end of the rankings.

Cousins might have flirted with the MVP had he stayed healthy for 17 games. He was pacing for 5,000 yards and 38 touchdowns before going down midseason with an Achilles tear. His completion percentage of 69.5% was 4.6 percentage points higher than expected. Cousins ranked fourth in QBR inside the pocket (68.1), which is on brand for the pure pocket passer who turns 36 in August.

Cousins is without a doubt a top-15 quarterback in the league. Cousins joined the Atlanta Falcons in free agency this offseason, signing a four-year, $180 million contract making him the franchise quarterback for the foreseeable future. With Cousins entering his first season as a Falcon, he has an excess of weapons surrounding him, which could result in a very successful season for the team in general, and a successful season for Cousins, to where he could find himself amongst the top-ten next offseason.

Kyle Pitts, Tight End

Kyle Pitts did not make the top-ten tight ends ranking , but was listed in the honorable mentions at the end of the rankings.

Pitts' production has fallen off with a combined 81 catches for 1,023 yards since 2022. Couple that with the six career touchdowns and Pitts hasn't validated his billing as a No. 4 overall pick in 2021 despite a 1,000-yard rookie season.

Pitts has unfortunately not had a super notable season since his rookie year. Since then, Pitts has dealt with injuries and poor quarterback play. Assuming this season he is fully healthy, fans should see Pitts’ production skyrocket with Kirk Cousins throwing him the football. Pitts should be able to go from honorable mention to firmly in the top-ten in next years rankings.

Bonus Notes

• Grady Jarrett was not formally ranked in the defensive tackles list , but it was noted that Jarrett did receive some votes.
• Jake Matthews was not formally ranked in the offensive tackles list , but it was noted that Matthews did receive some votes.
• Drake London was not named in the wide receivers list .
• Neither Kaden Elliss nor Nate Landman were named in the off-ball linebackers list .
• Arnold Ebiketie was not named in the edge rushers list .