The Falcons need contributions from some young players this season if they’re to accomplish their ultimate goal. Most importantly, their notable draft picks need to live up to the billing of their draft status.
Kyle Pitts will have to prove the last two seasons were caused by injuries and poor quarterback play. This is it for Richie Grant; it’s make-or-break time for the former second-round pick.
Drake London finally has a competent quarterback throwing him passes. It’s time for him to show he’s one of the elite pass catchers in this league. Arnold Ebiketie needs to step in the wake of Bralen Trice’s injury.
Bijan Robinson will have similar expectations as the other first-round picks, but it’s not the 2023 first-rounder that The Athletic believes is the Falcons second-year breakout candidate for 2024. Tyjae Spears is the outlet’s pick for the breakout running back, and Matthew Bergeron is the Falcons candidate.
“One of the most athletic linemen in the 2023 class, Bergeron was a right/left tackle only in college and could make a big jump as part of a very solid Atlanta front.”
The high expectations for the Falcons are tied to Kirk Cousins, Pitts, London, and Robinson. The $180 million quarterback and three top 10 draft picks, but it’s the offensive line that will anchor the offense.
Jake Matthews, Matthew Bergeron, Drew Dalman, Chris Lindstrom, and Kaleb McGary are expected to be one of the better units in football, and they have the capability to be an elite group. One of the reasons for that is continuity, but also the development of Bergeron, Dalman, and Lindstrom. All three are young players with room to grow into elite players at their respective positions.
If Bergeron takes a similar step as Chris Lindstrom did a couple of years ago, the Falcons offensive line will be that much more formidable.
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