'Top 25 Under 25': Which Falcons Stars Make the List?
Almost anything that Pro Football Focus publishes ends up being polarizing. But Atlanta Falcons fans will like their latest list.
PFF released its annual countdown of the top 25 players under the age of 25 earlier this week. While Dallas Cowboys pass rusher Micah Parsons and Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson headlined the list, three Falcons checked in as well:
Receiver Drake London, No. 20
Still only 21, London caught 72 passes for 866 yards and four touchdowns in his rookie season. PFF notes that he was their second-highest rated rookie wideout, only behind Offensive Rookie of the Year Award winner Garrett Wilson.
Among wide receivers on this list, London trails the aforementioned Jefferson, Ja'Marr Chase, CeeDee Lamb, Jaylen Waddle, Tee Higgins, DeVonta Smith, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Wilson.
Tight End Kyle Pitts, No. 21
This is perhaps a disappointing spot for Pitts to be after two seasons, given that he was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, a selection ahead of Chase, who was an immediate star for the Cincinnati Bengals.
But as PFF noted, "a healthy Pitts still has one of the highest ceilings of any tight end." The question is whether Arthur Smith's run-first offense will give Pitts a chance to break out in his third NFL campaign.
Cornerback A.J. Terrell, No. 22
Atlanta selected Terrell with the 16th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Terrell was a second-team All-Pro in 2022, recording three interceptions and forcing a fumble. Terrell will turn 25 in September, so this is his last year of eligibility.
What's noteworthy is that in addition to this trio, quarterback Desmond Ridder and running backs Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier could very well force their way onto this list next year.
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