Just a few years ago, the Atlanta Falcons were viewed as one of the NFL’s most talented young teams from top to bottom. As time goes by, however, that young talent becomes too expensive to retain.
The Falcons enter the 2020 season without five of last year’s key starters, including the team’s sack leader, Vic Beasley, and its leading tackler, De’Vondre Campbell. Atlanta also released corner Desmond Trufant and running back Devonta Freeman, while Pro Bowl tight end Austin Hooper left for the Browns in free agency.
Despite having several new faces, the team’s three best players are under contract for the foreseeable future. Quarterback Matt Ryan, wide receiver Julio Jones, and defensive tackle Grady Jarrett aren’t just Atlanta’s undisputed leaders, they’re some of the best players in the entire league.
All three made CBS Sports’ top 100 NFL players of 2020. Jones was the highest-ranked of the trio, coming in at No. 14 on Pete Prisco’s list:
He had 99 catches for 1,394 yards – second only to Michael Thomas in yards – and he also caught six touchdowns. At the age of 31, he isn’t slowing down.
Jarrett was the only other Falcons player to crack the top 25, landing at No. 22 overall:
He had a career-best 7.5 sacks last season as he continued to be a pocket pusher from the inside. He’s also good against the run, but he does need more help around him.
The list wasn’t as kind to Atlanta’s former MVP signal caller. Ryan was ranked all the way down at No. 70:
He took a beating last season, but still put up solid numbers for the Falcons. His protection has to be better to get him back playing close to his MVP numbers of a few years ago.
Ryan was the ninth-ranked quarterback on the list, behind Patrick Mahomes, Russell Wilson, Lamar Jackson, Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Tom Brady, Deshaun Watson and Dak Prescott.
As for honorable mentions, defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. was the only Falcons player to make the cut.
