​The Atlanta Falcons head into the 2026 NFL season with a few major questions, yet their roster remains rich in talent. At skill positions, the trio of running back Bijan Robinson, wide receiver Drake London, and tight end Kyle Pitts stands out as one of the league’s best. These former top-10 picks have already achieved a lot in a short span. On defense, Atlanta also boasts impact players. James Pearce Jr. and Xavier Watts were Defensive Rookie of the Year finalists last year, while defensive tackle Brandon Dorlus emerged with 8.5 sacks. Veterans such as Divine Deablo, A.J. Terrell, and Jessie Bates help anchor a defense that’s rapidly improving.
The biggest uncertainty centers on quarterback, a crucial position in the NFL, and it weighs on the team’s overall perception. ESPN’s ranking of all 32 starting rosters for 2026 placed Atlanta near the bottom, tying for No. 29 with the Arizona Cardinals. “The eighth pick in 2024, Penix has yet to establish himself as a capable starter, logging 14 touchdown passes in 14 games while battling accuracy issues,” ESPN’s Mike Clay noted. “He tore his left ACL in Week 11 last season and now faces competition from Tagovailoa. The former Dolphin flashed at times, but Miami absorbed a staggering $99 million in dead money to part ways after a disappointing 2025 season.”
Even with the quarterback situation clouding the outlook, a 29th-place ranking still undersells the team’s overall talent. Still, ESPN highlighted the backfield as the Falcons’ 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 in each of the past two seasons, and he has logged 10-plus rushing touchdowns in both,” Clay wrote. “Robinson is one of the league’s top offensive playmakers, and newcomer Brian Robinson Jr. provides a solid complement.”
Only the Cleveland Browns (31st) and the Miami Dolphins (32nd) ranked below Atlanta in ESPN’s assessment. Coincidentally, former Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski and former Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa are set to lead Atlanta this season. This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons roster receives brutal ranking from ESPN