Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Matt Urben

Falcons’ 10 highest-graded defensive players from the 2023 season

The Atlanta Falcons couldn’t wait to start spending money last offseason, adding big names like defensive lineman Calais Campbell and safety Jessie Bates III. The team signed a few lesser-known players like linebacker Kaden Elliss and defensive tackle David Onyemata.

Defensively, the team put together a solid season, and those new additions played a major part in that. While we still don’t know if Ryan Nielsen will return as defensive coordinator, the team is now allowing him to interview with other teams.

After looking at the Falcons’ top 10 players on offense, check out the team’s 10 highest-graded defensive players from the 2023 season, according to Pro Football Focus.

1
FS Jessie Bates III: 90.6

(Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)

2
DT David Onyemata: 83.3

Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

3
DL Calais Campbell: 80.0

(Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

4
LB Andre Smith: 75.1

Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence, Falcons LB Andre Smith Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

5
LB Kaden Elliss: 75.0

(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

6
CB A.J. Terrell: 74.6

(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

7
LB Nate Landman: 72.0

(Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

8
DL Grady Jarrett: 70.1

Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

9
DB Dee Alford: 70.0

(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

10
LB Lorenzo Carter: 67.0

(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

11
Best of the rest

(Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
  • DL LaCale London: 65.9
  • S DeMarcco Hellams: 65.2
  • DE Zach Harrison: 63.0
  • DL Joe Gaziano: 62.0
Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.