The Falcons have invested immense resources in their skill position group over the years, spending three consecutive top 10 draft picks on Kyle Pitts, Drake London, and Bijan Robinson.
Other than Pitts’ rookie campaign, the Falcons’ “Big 3” have fallen short of expectations. Context matters, though. Pitts’ production was hampered by injuries, Arthur Smith’s play calling, and poor quarterback play, the last of which also impacted London’s production. Smith’s play calling was the primary factor in Robinson’s shortcomings.
All of those things are history with Kirk Cousins and Zac Robinson in the fold. The Falcons’ two biggest tasks this offseason following the hiring of Raheem Morris were to find an offensive coordinator and a quarterback to run that offense.
It became clear immediately after Morris was hired that Robinson, the hottest offensive coordinator commodity on the market, would be coming with him from Los Angeles to Atlanta. Then, after the opening bell of free agency, the Falcons inked a massive free agent deal with Cousins.
The hope was that an upgrade at quarterback and a bright offensive mind could help unlock the potential of the Falcons top 10 draft picks at the skill positions. It took a few weeks for things to click, but the plan has begun to come together, and the dividends are significant.
After a slow start to the season, including a zero-catch performance, Pitts now ranks 3rd among tight ends in yards and 8th in receptions. He’s totaled 328 yards and one score on 25 receptions through seven games.
Robinson ranks 5th in yards from scrimmage and 7th in rushing yards. The 2023 8th overall pick has totaled 483 rushing yards and 201 receiving yards to go along with four total touchdowns.
London is having the best campaign of the trio. The Falcons star wideout ranks 4th in receptions (44), 7th in yards (491), and tied for 3rd in touchdowns (5). That’s a top 10 receiver.
This is what the Falcons had in mind when they spent three straight top 10 picks on skill position players, and it should look even better at the end of the season than it does now.
