Atlanta Falcons: NFL Top 100 Recap

Last night, the NFL Top 100 concluded with the top ten players in the NFL as voted by fellow players.

Four Falcons made the NFL Top 100, but not everyone is on board with their rankings.

#41. Devonta Freeman

2016 Stats and Accolades:

• 1,079 Rushing Yards
• 11 Rushing Touchdowns
• Pro Bowl

Considered by many to be one of the most versatile running backs in the NFL, Freeman was the first Falcon to be named to the NFL Top 100. He can barrel over defensive linemen, and he can catch passes like a wide receiver. Freeman was a core component of the explosive Falcons offense, and his 1,541 yards from scrimmage was ninth most in the NFL. With his determination and athletic talent, expect him to rise on this list in the near future.

#40. Vic Beasley

2016 Stats and Accolades:

• 15.5 Sacks (led NFL)
• 6 Forced Fumbles (led NFL)
• Pro Bowl
• AP First Team All-Pro

Vic Beasley’s amazing 2016 season was a surprise to many. After an underwhelming rookie campaign, expectations were very low, but Beasley refused to be complacent, putting together a dominant performance and leading the NFL in sacks.

However, shouldn’t the NFL sack leader and All-Pro edge rusher be higher than just 40?

Related Story: Alex Mack: Snubbed from NFL Top 100

#10. Matt Ryan

2016 Stats and Accolades:

• 4,944 Passing Yards
• 38 Passing Touchdowns
• Pro Bowl
• AP First Team All-Pro
• Offensive Player of the Year
• Most Valuable Player

Easily the most controversial ranking of the entire NFL Top 100, Matt Ryan is only ranked the tenth best player in the NFL. After commanding the best offense in the league and leading the Falcons to the Super Bowl, he’s only the tenth best player in the NFL? After be named the Most Valuable Player in the NFL and the Offensive Player of the Year, he’s only the tenth best player in the NFL? Absolutely ridiculous.

This drew heavy criticism on social media:

#3. Julio Jones

2016 Stats and Accolades:

• 1,409 Receiving Yards
• 6 Receiving Touchdowns
• Pro Bowl
• AP First Team All-Pro

Fittingly the highest ranked wide receiver in the NFL Top 100, Julio Jones is the highest ranked Atlanta Falcon. He averaged 100.6 receiving yards per game, leading the NFL and proving that he can take over any defense. Jones also put together one of the most dominant games by a wide receiver in the history of the NFL this past season, totaling 300 receiving yards against the Carolina Panthers in Week 4.