The Falcons have one of, if not the most loaded wide receiver room in the NFL. No other team can compete with the sheer talent of Atlanta’s top trio of Julio Jones, Mohamed Sanu and Calvin Ridley. Still, Atlanta is playing in a very competitive division that features a lot of excellent receivers.
In fact, according to Pro Football Focus, the Falcons’ receivers only graded out as the third best in the NFC South last season. The Buccaneers came in first, followed by the Saints. On the bright side, Atlanta’s group was still graded as the seventh best in the league overall.
From where we’re sitting, Atlanta has the best receivers in the division or anywhere else.
This does speak to the high level of competition in the NFC South, though.
However, keep in mind that Tampa’s receiver corps took a couple of major hits this offseason by trading DeSean Jackson away to the Eagles and losing Adam Humphries to the Titans in free agency.
As for as New Orleans goes, Michael Thomas is obviously a special kind of player, but the Saints have to rely on him to do a lot. If Thomas were to get injured, their passing attack would be devastated.
Given all the weapons the Falcons have, they can afford to lose one or two before their offense really falls off. That depth makes them more potent and more capable than either New Orleans or Tampa or even Cleveland’s receivers. Period.
