As we approach the 2022 season, many Falcons fans have a sense of renewed optimism given the FO’s numerous additions and notable improvements since the 2021 season end. But we have a long way to go.

PFF’s staff looked across the NFL at all position groups and seem to lack enthusiasm or optimism for the Falcons in 2022. See their article below.

Here is what PFF had to say about our position group rankings among 32 teams:

· Quarterback: 23rd (taken from a different PFF article)

· Running Back: 29th

· Wide Receiver: 27th

· Offensive Line: 28th

· Defensive Line: 32nd

· Linebackers: 32nd

· Secondary: 22nd

Overall ranking: 31st. Only the Houston Texans graded lower!

Notable comments:

· The Falcons’ defensive line is the only NFL DL that had an overall PFF grade below "50.0" in the 2021 season, yet they failed to address improvement in the interior (34DL) during the off-season.

o Signing Akiem Hicks for 34DE to play alongside Jarrett would have been a phenomenal improvement, yet they allowed the Buccaneers to sign the talented player. There were ways to finance the move.

o Otherwise, drafting a DT/NT at #82 versus doubling down on OLB where they already have three players in the group may have missed an opportunity.

· While the CB’s Terrell and Hayward yielded the "fewest yards of any tandem in the NFL during 2021 per PFF, … that is where it ends in terms of reasons to get excited about this unit." Clearly, PFF sees the safety group as a liability.

Source: https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-2022-position-unit-rankings-offensive-line-rankings-receiver-corps-rankings.

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