The Atlanta Falcons haven’t had much to celebrate this season. Sitting at 4-8, their playoff hopes are all but gone, and the team has struggled to find consistency on either side of the ball. But with Pro Bowl fan voting underway, a handful of Falcons are getting the recognition they deserve - and not just from Atlanta fans.
Six Falcons have landed among the top 10 vote-getters at their respective positions in the early stages of Pro Bowl voting, according to a list shared by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. And while these rankings don’t yet separate players by conference - that’ll come later - it’s still a strong early showing for a team that’s had more downs than ups this year.
Here are the six Falcons turning heads in the Pro Bowl polls so far:
- Brandon Dorlus (3rd among defensive tackles)
- Kaden Elliss (6th among linebackers)
- Xavier Watts (4th among safeties)
- Bradley Pinion (2nd among punters)
- Bijan Robinson (3rd among running backs)
- Drake London (6th among wide receivers)
Let’s break down why these names are popping up - and why a few of them could very well be headed to Orlando for the Pro Bowl Games.
Brandon Dorlus: The Quiet Force Up Front
Dorlus has quietly become one of the most disruptive interior linemen in the league this season.
After a relatively quiet rookie year, he’s exploded in Year 2, leading the Falcons with six sacks and nine tackles for loss through 12 games. Those are strong numbers for any defensive player - but for a defensive tackle?
That’s game-wrecking production.
He’s been a consistent force in the trenches, collapsing pockets and creating chaos for opposing quarterbacks. His jump in production hasn’t gone unnoticed, and being third in Pro Bowl voting at his position shows that fans - and likely coaches and players - are starting to take notice.
Bijan Robinson: The Engine of Atlanta’s Offense
Robinson continues to prove that he’s not just the future of Atlanta’s offense - he’s the present.
He’s currently second in the NFL in all-purpose yards and leads the Falcons in nearly every major offensive category. Whether it’s on the ground or through the air, Robinson has been the focal point of the attack all season long.
He’s doing it all behind an inconsistent offensive line and without much help from the passing game at times. His versatility and explosiveness have made him a highlight-reel machine, and his Pro Bowl candidacy feels more like a formality at this point.
Drake London: When He’s Healthy, He’s Dangerous
London’s season has been defined by two things: production and availability.
When he’s on the field, he’s been nearly unstoppable. Through just nine games, he’s racked up 810 receiving yards and six touchdowns on 60 catches.
That’s elite-level output, especially considering he’s missed time due to injury.
Before going down, London was on a tear - five of his last six games saw him eclipse 100 receiving yards, and all six of his touchdowns came during that stretch. If he can get back on the field soon and finish the season strong, he’s got a real shot at his first Pro Bowl nod.
Xavier Watts: Rookie Making Noise
Watts might be the most impressive story of the bunch.
A third-round rookie safety, he’s already leading all rookies in interceptions and has become a staple in Atlanta’s secondary. He’s shown instincts, range, and a nose for the football - all traits that have made him an early candidate for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
His presence on the back end has helped stabilize a Falcons defense that’s been up and down this season. For a rookie to crack the top 10 in Pro Bowl voting at safety this early? That’s no small feat.
Kaden Elliss: Playing for a Paycheck - and Delivering
Elliss has been a steady presence at linebacker and is quietly building a case for a contract extension.
He’s been reliable in coverage and against the run, and while he might not have the flashy stats, his consistency has been crucial for Atlanta’s defense. Landing sixth in the voting at his position shows that fans are recognizing his value.
Bradley Pinion: Special Teams Consistency
Punters don’t always get the spotlight, but Pinion has been rock-solid this season. He’s currently second in voting at his position, and his ability to flip field position has been a key asset for a Falcons team that’s often needed every yard it can get.
What Comes Next
It’s worth noting that this early voting update is just one piece of the puzzle.
Fan votes only count for one-third of the final Pro Bowl tally, with coaches and players making up the other two-thirds. Voting runs through December 15, so there’s still time for movement in the rankings.
That said, even if only a few of these six Falcons end up making the final cut, it would mark a step forward from last season, when only two players - special teamer KhaDarrel Hodge and guard Chris Lindstrom - earned Pro Bowl honors.
This year, Atlanta may not be playing for the postseason, but individual performances are still getting their due. And for guys like Robinson, Dorlus, and Watts, this recognition is more than just a consolation prize - it’s a sign that the Falcons have some foundational pieces to build around moving forward.