The Atlanta Falcons ranked in the top ten in the off-season according to The Sporting News

Vinnie Iyer of the Sporting News ranked and rated all 32 NFL offseasons, from best to worst. This offseason, the Atlanta Falcons have been the butt of many jokes for their selection of Michael Penix Jr. eighth overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, Iyer was able to look past that and see the improvements Atlanta added to the roster, giving them an A grade and ranking their ninth-best offseason in the NFL.

Grade: A-

Key additions: QB Kirk Cousins, QB Michael Penix Jr., WR Darnell Mooney, WR Rondale Moore, DT Ruke Orhorhoro, DT Brandon Dorlus, EDGE Bralen Trice

The Falcons got their major upgrade at QB for now and the near future, investing a bit more than the Steelers. They also have those better passing game options in an improved offense under Zac Robinson. Defensively, general manager Terry Fontenot gave new coach Raheem Morris an underrated young player.

Most see the Penix pick and immediately classify this offseason as a wash for the Falcons, not realizing that the Falcons were capable of completely revitalizing their passing attack with an injection of talent into the receiver room and getting without arguably the best quarterback in free agency.

While defense is always a question, there is no doubt that the Falcons have taken numerous steps to improve the top seven in this year’s draft. The additions of Orhorhoro, Dorlus and Trice may not pay huge dividends in year one, but could signal the next phase of Atlanta’s defense as playmakers like Grady Jarrett and David Onyemata age.