Atlanta Falcons: Writer says ESPN’s Top 100 missed 3 Dirty Birds
By Randy Gurzi
One writer for NFL Spin Zone says ESPN’s Top 100 Player’s To Watch List missed the mark when it comes to the defending NFC South Champions the Atlanta Falcons
Recently ESPN released their top 100 players to watch list and six members of the Atlanta Falcons made the cut. The obvious choices were wide receiver Julio Jones (No. 6), quarterback Matt Ryan (No. 23), center Alex Mack (No. 31), edge rusher Vic Beasley (No. 46) and running back Devonta Freeman (No. 66). Their sixth member was also a good choice as Desmond Trufant came in near the end at No. 89.
While none of those players can be disputed, Derek Snyder of NFL Spin Zone says that the major sports network missed the mark slightly by leaving off three members of the Dirty Birds 2017 roster. Snyder named receiver Taylor Gabriel, running back Tevin Coleman and defensive end Takkarist McKinley as three guys who deserve to be highlighted. He explains his reasoning in the quote below:
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"Taylor Gabriel, Tevin Coleman and Takk McKinley are three Falcons who will ultimately be the team’s X-factors by the end of this season. Each guy brings a completely different element to this football team and they are also some of the most dangerous players in the entire league."
Snyder did say he understands that McKinley being a rookie this season may have aided in the oversight by ESPN, but his value to the team cannot be argued. The same goes for Coleman who is a game changer out of the backfield whenever they decide to rest Foreman.
As good as those two are, arguably the biggest oversight from ESPN’s list was Gabriel. The speedy receiver broke out in 2016 by brining in 35 receptions for 579 yards and six touchdowns. He added another 51 yards and a touchdown as a runner for the Falcons.
Next: Atlanta Falcons: 5 NFC South stars to account for in 2017
With more time in the offense, the second-year Atlanta receiver should be even more fun to watch. Sound off below in the comment section and let us know if you agree with Snyder — or if there are any other players that were missed.