The NFL Network's Top 100 countdown is through player No. 71 and there are still no Falcons on the list, but the next installment is Thursday night and there's a good chance that will change.
For now, we'll settle with a different list, one that is presented in full, 100 all the way to 1. CBSSports.com's Pete Prisco puts together his list every season, combining conversations with scouts and decision makers around the league with plenty of film watching to create this rival to the Top 100 on NFL Network.
Last year's list had four Falcons on it, one of which was a little bit of a surprise and he's returned to the list once again and higher this time. In total, five Falcons players showed up on Prisco's list this year.
Linebacker Sean Weatherspoon appeared on the list at No. 75 in 2012 and jumped to No. 66 this year. Prisco praised Weatherspoon's consistency this year and said the three-year veteran had a knack for big plays.
Matt Ryan was the highest player on the list, showing up at No. 24. Ryan's place on the list put him as the fifth-best quarterback in the game, behind Aaron Rodgers, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady and Drew Brees. Last year Ryan was No. 48 and the year prior he was at No. 50.
Julio Jones is the new additional Falcon on the list this year. Last year he was unranked, but this year he's at No. 26 on the list behind Calvin Johnson, A.J. Green and Larry Fitzgerald at wide receiver.
Roddy White joined Jones on the list at No. 61 and three spots later Tony Gonzalez showed up at 64, making his return to the list after being off it following the 2011 season.
