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The Atlanta Falcons have hit on a handful of high draft picks in recent years. From A.J. Terrell to Drake London, the team has consistently found elite talent in the first round.
While players like Kyle Pitts and Chris Lindstrom represent some of the core pieces on this Falcons roster, there are several others who still have to prove themselves around the NFL.
Pro Football Focus listed three players that each team should build around, and Falcons QB Desmond Ridder was not among them. PFF went with London, Pitts, and Terrell over Ridder:
London had a similarly impressive rookie campaign, with his 85.3 receiving grade the 10th best among all wide receivers on the season. These two big-bodied long-striders are a great foundation to add receiving options with diverse skill sets around. Terrell had a down season in 2022 but has already proven to be one of the best young cornerbacks in the NFL. His 85.6 coverage grade in 2021 ranked second in the NFL at the position, behind only Jalen Ramsey. — Brad Spielberger, PFF
Terrell, drafted in 2020, had an exceptional campaign in 2021, but took a step back in 2022. Pitts’ production also dropped off last season. After averaging 60 yards per game in 2021, Pitts’ average dipped to 35 yards per game in 2022 before suffering an MCL injury.
Drake London’s rookie season was book ended by strong outings, but he definitely cooled off during Weeks 4-12. London seemed to play his best football when Ridder took over during the final four games of the season.
Obviously, Atlanta’s second-year quarterback still needs to prove himself, but his upside is not something to sleep on. Playing in an offense full of playmakers with a dominant ground game, Ridder could surprise his critics this season.