PFF names Falcons offensive lineman as team’s most-improved player

When a team finishes with a 7-10 record for three straight seasons, it can be tough to find areas of improvement. However, the Atlanta Falcons made some strides in 2023, both on defense and along the offensive line.

Pro Football Focus released a feature that highlighted one player on each team who increased their overall grade the most from 2022 to 2023. Center Drew Dalman made the biggest jump for the Falcons this year.

Experts and fans had high expectations for the Falcons’ offensive line in 2023, mainly because of right guard Chris Lindstrom. Not many foreshadowed that Dalman, in his third NFL season, would be among the league’s best centers. He ranked third among centers in PFF grade, largely because of his run-blocking prowess (90.0) – Zoltán Buday, PFF

Drew Dalman jumped from a 65.9 in 2022 to a 82.3 in 2023. The third-year center finished the season with a run-blocking grade of 90, but when it came to pass protection, he finished with just a 53 overall.

Dalman may have only been credited for allowing two sacks, but he also allowed 29 pressures this season. Pass protection is an area where he clearly needs to get better, but there’s a lot to like about Dalman’s development overall.