Atlanta Falcons Get Bijan Robinson Boost in Latest Running Back Rankings

Although the Atlanta Falcons failed to show up in the playoffs last season, there’s still hope they can compete in the upcoming 2024 NFL season. Fortunately, their running back unit is shaping up to a good one, especially after receiving an encouraging ranking recently.

The 2023 season was a disappointing one for Atlanta, who had high expectations after clearing cap space and bringing in new talent. Head coach Arthur Smith and general manager Terry Fontenot were in a “prove-it year”, but the team struggled with inconsistent quarterback play from Desmond Ridder.

Ridder oscillated between good and bad performances, failing to consistently make “big-time throws” while also turning the ball over too often. This led to Smith rotating Ridder with veteran backup Taylor Heinicke for the second half of the season.

While the offense struggled, the Falcons’ defense was a bright spot, ranking in the top 15 in PFF’s grades. Key additions like Kaden Elliss, David Onyemata, and Jessie Bates III helped elevate the unit. Bates led the team with 89 tackles and 6 interceptions, earning Second-Team All-Pro honors.

However, the Falcons’ defensive line was aging, with an average starter age of 32.5. This, combined with the NFL’s lowest pass-rush win rate, suggests the next head coach will need to focus on improving the trenches.

In the end, the Falcons finished with a record of 7-10, continuing their pattern of mediocre seasons and leaving them with the 8th overall draft pick. The organization’s failure to solve the quarterback position has been a recurring theme in recent years.

Atlanta Falcons’ Running Back Corps Receive Favorable Ranking Ahead of 2024 NFL Season

The Falcons’ running back unit took a step forward with rookie Bijan Robinson leading the charge. Fortunately, that group received a favorable ranking ahead of the upcoming 2024 campaign, as seen in an article written by Trevor Sikkema for PFF.

“Bijan Robinson is a special talent, and the Falcons being this high on the list stems partially from an expectation that he will take another step forward in 2024 after recording more than 1,400 scrimmage yards in 2023.

But it’s also a nod to RB2 Tyler Allgeier, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards in his first season with a 78.0 rushing grade behind Robinson in 2023. They form one of the NFL’s better one-two punches at running back,” Sikkema wrote.

Last season, Robinson came out of Texas as the team’s eight overall pick from the draft last year with so much potential. Turns out, the rookie lived up to expectations and helped the Falcons’ running back group rise up to the challenge.

The coming season will see whether Robinson will take another step forward to elevate Atlanta’s running back corps. If he does, expect the Falcons to appear in the playoffs next year.

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