Atlanta Falcons roster receives brutal ranking from ESPN

The Atlanta Falcons have a few big question marks entering the 2026 NFL season, but their roster isn't short on talent. In terms of skill position players, it doesn't get much better than the trio of running back Bijan Robinson, wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts.

The three former top-10 picks have accomplished quite a bit in a short amount of time. Defensively, the Falcons have some heavy hitters as well. James Pearce Jr. and Xavier Watts were Defensive Rookie of the Year finalists last season, while defensive tackle Brandon Dorlus broke out with 8.5 sacks.

Savvy veterans like Divine Deablo, A.J. Terrell and Jessie Bates round out a rapidly improving defense. The biggest question mark is at quarterback, and unfortunately for Atlanta, that's a pretty important position in the NFL.

The Falcons' uncertainty at QB continues to hurt the perception around this team. ESPN ranked all 32 NFL rosters based on their starting projected starting lineups in 2026. Atlanta landed way down near the bottom, tying for No. 29 with the Arizona Cardinals.

"The eighth pick in 2024, Penix has yet to emerge as a capable starter, totaling 14 touchdown passes in 14 games while struggling with accuracy," wrote ESPN's Mike Clay. "He tore his left ACL in Week 11 last season and now has added competition in Tagovailoa. The former Dolphin has flashed at times during his career, but Miami took on a record $99 million in dead money to move on from him after a disappointing 2025 season."

Even if the team's quarterback situation is less than ideal, 29th still feels pretty low in terms of overall talent. It wasn't all bad, though. ESPN listed the running back position as the team's greatest strength, praising Bijan Robinson and backup Brian Robinson Jr.

"He has finished no lower than fifth among backs in carries, rushing yards, catches, touches and scrimmage yards during each of the past two seasons, and scored 10-plus touchdowns in both," wrote Clay. "Robinson is one of the league's top offensive playmakers, and newcomer Brian Robinson Jr. is a solid backup."

The Cleveland Browns (31st) and the Miami Dolphins (32nd) were the only two teams ranked below the Falcons in ESPN's rankings. It just so happens that former Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski and former Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will be leading the way for Atlanta this season.

This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons roster receives brutal ranking from ESPN