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NFL Network is currently going through its Top 100 players list for 2013. With 50 players on the list already revealed, the Falcons have not seen one of their own make the ranks to this point. How will the remaining 50 turn out?
Last year's list was rather questionable in regards to Atlanta's showing. Matt Ryan was not included in the Top 100, at all. There were 13 quarterbacks on that list, including Philip Rivers, Cam Newton and TIM TEBOW. I wish that were a joke.
Players around the league vote on this list, so it's not like Ryan was simply snubbed by fans. Surely after last year's campaign, he deserves to be included, right?
Here are the Falcons found on the 2012 Top 100.
No. 37: Steven Jackson (Yes, I know he wasn't a Falcon last year.)
No. 53: Tony Gonzalez
No. 65: Roddy White
No. 88: Michael Turner
After his eighth straight 1,000-yard season, Jackson should be in the top 50 again. Gonzalez posted his highest reception total since 2008, and White surpassed 1,000 yards receiving for the sixth consecutive year. They should be locks to make the list as well.
Who else gets recognized from the Falcons?
Ryan is one of the league's best passers. There's no disputing that. He deserves to be in the Top 100, and since he wasn't in the first 50, you have to expect his name will be called soon. Jumping to the Top 50 after not being on the 2012 list is quite a leap, but c'mon, it's Matty Ice.
Julio Jones is easily one of the top receivers in the NFL. He wasn't on the list last year after an injury-plagued rookie season, but even then he showed how dangerous he can be. Last season he caught 79 passes for 1,198 yards, 10 touchdowns and 486 YAC. A player's stats aren't the sole reason for him be considered one of the league's best, though.
If Julio wasn't lining up opposite Roddy (and thank goodness they are), his stats would be off the chart as a clear-cut No. 1. It's obvious how talented he is. I think he makes the list.
So, by my estimation, we can expect five Falcons to be listed in the top 50 (all offense!). Does that sound right? How do you think the rest of the Top 100 plays out?