Falcons already exhibiting why they took such a dangerous draft decide
The Atlanta Falcons had been one of many NFL’s busiest groups this offseason. The membership’s finest transfer might have taken place in late April in Kansas Metropolis.
Arthur Smith is embarking on his third season on the helm of the Atlanta Falcons. The crew has been constant the previous two years, which means it has completed 7-10 in each 2021 and 2022. There was some enchancment proven this previous season because the Falcons had been rather more aggressive. Smith’s membership completed with an abysmal minus-146 level differential. In 2022, that improved to minus-21.
Nonetheless, a shedding season is…a losings season. Because the Falcons’ final playoff look in 2017, the franchise has completed under .500 every of these 5 years. Then once more, no crew within the NFC South managed a profitable report this previous season. With all of the modifications among the many 4 golf equipment, the division seems to be very vast open.
The Falcons were especially aggressive this offseason, including free brokers resembling defensive lineman Calais Campbell and security Jessie Bates III whereas buying and selling for tight finish Jonnu Smith, a favourite of Smith’s whereas each had been in Nashville. Atlanta actually opened up some eyes within the first spherical of this yr’s draft, utilizing the eighth total choice on Texas operating again Bijan Robinson.
Falcons’ danger on Bijan Robinson already wanting fully calculated
In three seasons (31 video games) with the Longhorns, the 6-foot, 215-pound performer totaled a powerful 4,215 whole yards from scrimmage and 41 touchdowns. In his ultimate yr at Texas, Robinson completed with 1,894 scrimmage yards (1,580 speeding, 314 receiving) and located the top zone 20 occasions.
He touched the ball 277 occasions and, courtesy of NFL Community’s Cameron Wolfe, Smith intends to maintain the younger performer busy as a runner and a pass-catcher.
Falcons rookie offensive weapon Bijan Robinson taking reps with the vast receivers throughout particular person drills. The plan in Atlanta is for Robinson to be rather more than a operating again.
Be a part of our NFL+ @nflnetwork minicamp present between 2-4p ET with extra on Bijan & Falcons. pic.twitter.com/Dnnavo0nev
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) June 14, 2023
There have been no operating backs chosen within the first spherical of the 2022 draft. The truth is, Robinson is the highest-drafted participant at his place because the Giants opted for Saquon Barkley with the second total decide in 2018. The Falcons are definitely hoping he may be that type of twin menace.