Atlanta Falcons: 3 Players With Rising Stock At Year’s End

2. Alex Mack

During the 2013-2015 stretch where the Atlanta Falcons went a dismal 18-30, one of the most glaring issues was the center position.

From Peter Konz, to James Stone, to Mike Person, center was a problem that needed fixed.

So, in the 2016 offseason, Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff went out and got one of best in the business. Dimitroff and the Dirty Birds signed free agent center Alex Mack to a five-year, $47.5 million dollar contract.

And he’s been worth every penny.

Mack helped pave the way for star backs Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman, who led the Falcons to the eighth-best yards per carry average in the NFL (4.3) this season.

Also, Mack and company surrendered the third-fewest sacks this year (24), giving Matt Ryan time in the pocket to find his weapons.

Mack posted the third-highest graded center according to PFF with a grade of 88.9, earning him a spot on the Pro Bowl team for the fifth time. Also, Mack was named to the AP All-Pro Second Team.

Thankfully, Mack in under contract with Atlanta for the next three seasons. He’ll continue to anchor the offensive line through at least the 2020 season.