NFL.com places Falcons 19th in power rankings: Too high or too low?
The Atlanta Falcons finished 2015 with an 8-8 record, and that was simply not good enough for Arthur Blank and Thomas Dimitroff for a team that improved their record by two games from a year ago.
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In came Alex Mack, Mohamed Sanu and Derrick Shelby, plus intriguing safety prospect Keanu Neal, who was taken 17th-overall in this year’s draft. On paper, the Falcons simply look like a a top-10 NFL unit.
After eight wins and adding a number of hopeful stars, one can think they’re on their way to double-digit wins, but Elliot Harrison from NFL.com isnt’ that optimistic, ranking them 19th-overall:
“What is this team? Are the Falcons the guys who started 6-1 last year or the outfit that dropped seven of its last nine? Clearly coach Dan Quinn is looking to build the defense, as three of Atlanta’s first four picks went toward that side of the ball.
The assumption is that first-rounderKeanu Neal will play close to the line, supporting the run so effectively that clubs will be forced into third-and-not-manageables. Thumbs up on the selection of linebacker De’Vondre Campbell.“
Harrison’s ranking for the Falcons here is fair, but I strongly disagree with the Jacksonville Jaguars (17th,) being placed higher. This team is far away from being a contender, but a strong draft this year really has experts sold on them.
Rebuilding takes time, and the Falcons are more than ready to win. It’s too early to peg them as a top-10 team, but they certainly don’t appear poised for disappointment. A middle-in-the-pack grade for the team is much more fair.
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