Expectations are beginning to grow for the Atlanta Falcons as we head toward the 2023 season. In Year 3 under Arthur Smith, the time is now for the franchise to take that next step and potentially contend for a playoff spot.

This offseason was a good one for the Falcons, who bolstered their defense with a few veteran additions, headlined by safety Jessie Bates III and Calais Campbell. Improvements on that side of the ball would go a long way to improving the team. But, it is the offense that could really explode this season.

Atlanta made another big addition this offseason, using the No. 8 overall pick in Texas running back Bijan Robinson. He creates a very intriguing trio with fellow top-10 picks, tight end Kyle Pitts and wide receiver Drake London, for the team to build around on offense.

According to Bill Barnwell of ESPN, this is the first time since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970 that a team will have homegrown, top-10 picks at the three offensive skill positions at the same time. The last time it occurred with acquired players was in 2014 when the Detroit Lions had Reggie Bush, Calvin Johnson and Eric Ebron.

The upside that the Falcons’ trio possesses is what has landed them such a high ranking in Barnwell’s power rankings. He ranked the skill position groups as a collective of every team around the league and Atlanta came in at 10th place.

That is a major jump, as the Falcons were ranked 27th last season and 23rd in 2021. The addition of Robinson, whom many believed to be the best prospect in this year’s draft class, certainly helped. But another year of experience for Pitts and London should also help take them to another level.

While the depth behind them could still use some work, there are some solid pieces in the mix. Mack Hollins was signed as a free agent for wide receiver depth and Tyler Allgeier is coming off an excellent rookie season. Hybrid weapon Cordarrelle Patterson remains on the roster as well.