The Falcons got dramatically better this offseason. Following a pair of middling 7-10 seasons, the new regime was able to participate in free agency with no financial limitations, netting by far the most talented roster of Arthur Smith and Terry Fontenot’s tenure.
However, it’s none of the new faces that appear on CBS Sports’ top 100 player rankings. The outlet has Chris Lindstrom and Grady Jarrett making the list, ranked as the 58th and 89th-best players, respectively.
On Jarrett: “His numbers were down last season, but he’s still a force in the inside for the Falcons. He needs more help around him.”
On Lindstrom: “He has developed into one of the best right guards in the league. He is a physical player who has improved his pass protection while being one of the best run blockers.”
Jessie Bates III and A.J. Terrell were included as honorable mentions, but there’s reason to be optimistic moving forward. Kyle Pitts, Bijan Robinson, and Drake London will be included in these conversations in the immediate future.
The Falcons feature an incredibly deep roster. The stars are apparent, but it takes 53 guys to win football games. The difference between the depth of the 2021 and 2022 teams and 2023 is shocking, particularly along the trenches, which is somewhere they’ve always struggled.
The Saints have dominated the Falcons in recent years because of their superior trench play. Their defensive and offensive lines have taken a step back, though. An aging and expensive roster has paved a path for the Falcons to overtake the Saints for the division, even if they feature the better quarterback.
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Photographer: Todd Kirkland/Icon Sportswire
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