Three reasons to be optimistic about the Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta traded 14-year starting QB Matt Ryan last offseason, jump-starting the team's rebuild. While it's never easy moving on from a successful partnership, it's hard to argue the Falcons didn't make the right call after Ryan failed to launch at his new home in Indianapolis.

That was just one of several positive developments from 2022 that Atlanta can look to as it surveys its chances of winning the most winnable division in the NFL next season.

1. $55.8 million in cap space

Per OverTheCap.com, the Falcons are flush with money and can make bold moves in free agency.

Does the team take a swing on a cornerback to pair with A.J. Terrell? Should it go after an edge rusher to transform the team's embarrassingly futile pass rush? What about a veteran QB such as Derek Carr?

Anything is possible in Atlanta, and the front office has cap space to thank for the endless ways it can fix the team's shortcomings.

2. Draft loaded with defensive ends

Atlanta's biggest need this offseason is correcting a weak pass rush. The Falcons ranked 31st in sacks (21) in 2022, but thanks to a deep class of edge rushers, they should be able to add first-round talent in the draft. 

Per ESPN's Matt Miller, there are more edge rushers with first-round grades than at any other position in the 2023 NFL Draft. 

He lists four edge rushers — Will Anderson Jr. (Alabama), Myles Murphy (Clemson), Tyree Wilson (Texas Tech) and Lukas Van Ness (Iowa) — as players with first-round grades. Anderson Jr. will be off the board by the time the Falcons pick at eighth overall, but the team could land either Murphy or Wilson.

If both somehow go before the Falcons pick, they could trade back and select Van Ness — Miller's 19th overall prospect — while collecting more picks in the process.

3. Young offensive talent

Heading into the 2023 season, Atlanta has true No. 1s at wide receiver (Drake London), running back (Tyler Allgeier) and tight end (Kyle Pitts).

Rookies London (first round, eighth overall) and Allgeier (fifth round, 151st overall) are two of the most underrated 2022 draftees. London had 72 receptions for 866 yards and four touchdowns, and Allgeier shined with 210 carries for 1,035 yards and three rushing touchdowns. 

Pitts, who failed to build a connection with QB Marcus Mariota, suffered a torn MCL on Nov. 20 against Chicago. Despite the setback, the Falcons have every reason to remain staunch supporters of his despite middling 2022 stats (28 catches for 356 yards in 10 games). 

The fourth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Pitts had 68 receptions for 1,026 receiving yards during his rookie year.

Atlanta has all the right ingredients. It's time to cook.