NFL Post-Draft Power Rankings: Falcons 'Nightmare' Matchup?

The Atlanta Falcons "put the rest of the league on notice" after drafting Bijan Robinson. Where does that put them in the most recent NFL power rankings?

The Atlanta Falcons look to bounce back after a 7–10 season and failing to make the playoffs for the fifth-consecutive season. It was an offseason full of Falcons roster moves, including adding six rookies in the 2023 NFL Draft. Rookie minicamp is about to begin and it's an exciting time of possibilities around the franchise.

Now that the dust has settled on post-NFL Draft rosters, Sports Illustrated has released new power rankings and the Falcons land at No. 20. Why?

"The Falcons are building something reminiscent of San Francisco’s offense, which means that it can function at a pretty high level even without top-five elite quarterback play," SI writes. "The Bijan Robinson selection put the rest of the league on notice: The Falcons are going to be a nightmare to match up against this year."

The Falcons' draft class is highlighted by Robinson, the No. 8 overall pick, who ran for over 1,500 yards  last season with the Texas Longhorns in just 12 games. A potential Rookie of the Year, Robinson joins Tyler Allgeier and Cordarrelle Patterson to create one of the most-potent rushing attacks in the league. However, questions remain with a defense that ranked 23rd in points and yards allowed last season. 

Atlanta has a long way to go before competing with the Philadelphia Eagles, who take the No. 1 spot in the rankings after drafting Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith in the first round.

SI says, "The Eagles appear to be the best all-around team in the NFL right now."

Oddsmakers don't agree, giving the Kansas City Chiefs the best odds to win Super Bowl LVIII.

Nothing stokes a season more than an Eagles team trying to usurp the champion Chiefs and a Falcons team looking to be relevant again. And the fun is just beginning …

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