NFL execs list 3 Falcons in top 10 at their positions

The Falcons don’t have many players who will see their names listed atop their respective position groups. In fact, a recent feature by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler that polled NFL coaches, executives and players, listed just three players in the top 10 at their respective positions.

Only one Atlanta player cracked the top five, while the two others barely made the top 10. Here’s a look at what Fowler’s piece had to say about the four Falcons players mentioned (one as an honorable mention).

ESPN on DT Grady Jarrett (ranked 9th):

Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

For the second consecutive year, Jarrett garnered enough votes to sneak into the top 10 but not enough to make a sizable jump. “A little declined but really good player,” an NFL senior personnel exec said. “Wins with initial quickness. Still one of the best at that. So if he keeps that, he’ll always be productive.”

ESPN on Off-ball LB Deion Jones (honorable mention):

Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Once a top-10 fixture, Jones appears to be on the trading block after six seasons in Atlanta He is rehabbing offseason shoulder surgery. “Those undersized guys, when they get hurt, the wall hits you quicker,” an AFC scout told Fowler. “Still above average as a cover guy. Not dominant like he was those first few years.”

ESPN on CB AJ Terrell (ranked 9th):

Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Terrell gave up the lowest completion percentage as the nearest defender of anyone on this list (41.1%, per NFL Next Gen Stats), allowing 30 receptions on 73 targets for 297 yards and three touchdowns. And per Next Gen Stats, his 0.6 yards allowed per snap were the lowest in the NFL among outside corners with at least 300 coverage snaps last season. And one NFL team told me it counted Terrell giving up one explosive play in man coverage all year. 

ESPN on TE Kyle Pitts (ranked 5th):

(AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Last year’s voters telegraphed Pitts as a top-five tight end after his rookie year, and he fulfilled that promise with a 1,026-yard season in Atlanta, making him the first rookie tight end since Mike Ditka to hit that mark. “He’ll be in that Waller and Kelce class after next year,” an NFL coordinator said. “He doesn’t even know what he’s doing yet — wait until he figures it out.”

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