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NFL Power Rankings: 2017 Pre-NFL Draft Look at All 32 Teams

By Peter Panacy

May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of a helmet, NFL shield, stage, and podium before the start of the 2014 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of a helmet, NFL shield, stage, and podium before the start of the 2014 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

. 11-5. . Atlanta Falcons. 3. team. 44

It’s a bit hard to drop the Atlanta Falcons a spot in our NFL power rankings simply because they still have the makeup of a Super Bowl-caliber team heading into this season.

Yes, the gut-wrenching loss to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI could put quarterback Matt Ryan and Co. into full-on hangover mode — much like what the Panthers went through after suffering an embarrassing defeat in Super Bowl 50.

But let’s bank on head coach Dan Quinn not letting the pity party get out of hand here.

Offensively, the Falcons still have a great deal of pieces in place. Their offensive line remains stout, their running game — with Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman — should stay dynamic and the tandem of quarterback Matt Ryan and wide receiver Julio Jones is just as big a threat as ever.

Defensively, Atlanta would like to pair someone with EDGE Vic Beasley. Beasley is a beast, but one can only think what the Super Bowl results would have been had Beasley not been the lone pass-rushing threat.

It will be interesting to see how the Falcons adjust to the departure of former offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, who left town to take over the 49ers head-coaching job.

But aside from that, Atlanta looks to be in pretty good shape moving forward.