Atlanta Falcons stock up, stock down

A pair of 2023 offseason additions are trending as likely key contributors for the Falcons while concerns surround two 2022 starters. Here's a look at whose stock is up — and down — for the Atlanta Falcons with the NFL season 100 days away.

Stock up

Mack Hollins, wide receiver: Falcons reporter Scott Bair painted Hollins in a positive light last week, highlighting his strength as a run blocker as a reason he should play often this season. Second-year pro Drake London is the Falcons' primary passing target, but the team signed Hollins during free agency to a one-year, $2.5 million contract to act as another wide receiver option for quarterback Desmond Ridder.

A big target at 6-foot-4 and 221 pounds, Hollins should have an opportunity to put up similar numbers to what he did last year with the Raiders (57 completions, 690 yards, four TDs), his best season as a pro. From 2017-21, Hollins had 750 receiving yards combined. Atlanta doesn't have many viable options behind him, leaving Hollins as one of the team's best WR options.

Jeff Okudah, cornerback: A fresh start could be exactly what Okudah needs. The third overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Okudah flamed out in Detroit after three seasons and was traded for a fifth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, cementing him as a bust for the Lions. But that's in the rearview for Okudah, who has a great opportunity at reviving his career playing alongside Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell.

The adjustment to the pros has been difficult for Okudah, who was one of the best corners in college at Ohio State. From 2017-19 at OSU, Okudah allowed 31 receptions on 78 targets (39.7 percent) for 411 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions. 

During his three seasons in Detroit from 2020-22, Okudah allowed 80 receptions on 118 targets (67.8 percent) for 1,286 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions. Okudah is a 2024 free agent, further incentivizing him to play to the standard he set for himself at Ohio State. 

Stock down

Tyler Allgeier, running back: The status of Allgeier's stock has nothing to do with the promising second-year running back but everything to do with Atlanta's decision to select running back Bijan Robinson with the No. 8 pick in this year's draft. Allgeier broke out with 1,035 rushing yards during his rookie season, but he won't have a chance to put up similar numbers in 2023 because Robinson is expected to carry the load.

Atlanta should have a run-heavy offense, so Allgeier won't be iced out completely.

Desmond Ridder, quarterback: Bleacher Report is buying Ridder's accuracy concerns as a legitimate issue. After declaring the Falcons a potential 13-win team earlier this offseason, free-agent addition Calais Campbell has apparently seen the light on the team's QB situation.

"He's still young, the 15-year NFL vet told The Athletic about Ridder, Atlanta's second-year QB. "He's going to go through some growing pains."

As promising as Atlanta's rushing offense looks, it wouldn't be a surprise if defenses sell out on stopping the run, forcing the Falcons to win with Ridder making big-time throws. Based on the early returns, that appears to be a losing formula.