Yes, I actually have ten names who should arguably make the Pro Bowl for the Atlanta Falcons, and one side of the ball dominates this list.
The Falcons have had plenty of players stand out, the issue is that they haven't been able to capitalize consistently. And they also have an offense that has seriously been lacking this year.
The 2024 Pro Bowl will, again, not include a football game. Instead, they will do flag football game along with other random games and skill showdowns.
Here are the ten players for the Falcons who deserve to be in the Pro Bowl.
10. Bradley Pinion - Punter
Let's start with the special teamers; Bradley Pinion has proven me wrong this season. I was critical of the long-term deal the Falcons signed him to months ago, but Pinion has been among the best in the NFL.
One thing he excels at is not punting the ball into the endzone. He has routinely pinned the opponent inside the 20 or 10. He has also had a consistent leg, which has been critical with how bad this offense has been for much of the year.
9. Younghoe Koo - Kicker
We are getting the special teamers, respectfully, out of the way. Younghoe Koo, minus one down game against the Buccaneers, has been automatic this year.
Who knows what happened with him against Tampa but he has been excellent every other week. He is coming off of a game where he went five for five in field goals (although, he got lucky with an offsides penalty) and two for two in PATs.
He has also been atop the career field goal percentage at one time this year. That deserves the Pro Bowl.
8. Kaden Elliss - Linebacker
Kaden Elliss has proven to be a vital signing over the offseason. He has meant so much to this dominating defense this year.
He has been all over the field making plays. He has taken down the quarterback and racked up plenty of tackles for loss. He has been one of the most underrated players in the NFL this year. Sadly, I highly doubt he will find himself in his first Pro Bowl.
7. Calais Campbell - Defensive end
We all knew what Calais Campbell would bring to this Atlanta Falcons team but I don't think any of us knew he would be this impactful in what is his 16th season in the NFL.
Yes, he has sacked the quarterback 5.5 times, but I am focused on his run defense. He has been one of the best in the NFL as a run defender. Just watch him for one drive and you will come away impressed. He stacks his blockers better than anyone and knows how to blow up any play.
6. David Onyemata - Defensive tackle
We have seen a difference in this Falcons defense when David Onyemata has been inactive. This dude is the engine for this defense.
You hear all about defensive tackles "occupying blockers" and that is exactly what Onyemata does. He has also put some pressure on the quarterback even if he hasn't put up the sack numbers. He deserves to make the Pro Bowl.
5. Bijan Robinson - Running back
Bijan Robinson has done everything for this offense. He has been the primary runner and a primary weapon out of the backfield for the Falcons' two quarterbacks.
His highlights are some of the best we have seen from anyone this year. He has made one-handed catches, made no-look catches, shook defenders out of their cleats, and broken tackles.
It appears like Bijan will find himself in his first Pro Bowl in his first NFL season.
4. Nate Landman - Linebacker
I have been on the Nate Landman bandwagon since I saw him play in his first games during the preseason last year. And while I knew he would be good, I never thought he would become one of the best in the NFL this quickly.
He is such a tough, old-school linebacker. plays downhill and isn't afraid to take on blocks and blow up running plays. He also hasn't been too bad in coverage.
The Falcons have a great linebacking core, especially when you factor in Troy Andersen.
3. A.J. Terrell - Cornerback
A.J. Terrell has been the most underrated player in the NFL. He is a cornerback who is as good as anyone but gets zero recognition.
Just a couple of years ago he had a historic season and made an All-Pro team, but not the Pro Bowl. That needs to change this year. He is dominating everyone he plays (minus Mike Evans in week 7, but he got his revenge in the second meeting).
Terrell has to make the Pro Bowl.
2. Chris Lindstrom - Right guard
I think we all saw what Chris Lindstrom means to this team when he was inactive in Carolina. The Falcons could not get anything done in the run game and it cost them that game. Lindstrom was the reason why they couldn't get anything running the ball. If he had played, the Falcons would have won—I strongly believe that.
He is the best at his position in the NFL and should make his second Pro Bowl.
1. Jessie Bates III - Safety
Jessie Bates III is the best safety in the NFL, no debate. He has had an incredibly profound impact on the Atlanta Falcons this year.
His leadership on and off the field is incredible, his knowledge and preparation are unmatched, and he produces on the field. He is an eraser and playmaker on the backend for the Falcons defense.
He is second in the NFL in interceptions, has the second most tackles at the safety position, and is the leader of one of the best defenses in the NFL.
He was the best free agent signing past offseason. He should be on his way to his first Pro Bowl in his career. And who knows how he hasn't made one.