The Atlanta Falcons kicked off the 2024 season with a 6-3 record but finished 8-9 due to a combination of poor quarterback play and an underachieving defense over the second half of the season. The team took an aggressive approach to upgrading the defense, drafting two edge rushers in the first round.

With Grady Jarrett in Chicago, the team will have to rely on other veteran players to fill the leadership void in 2025. One player who rarely gets the respect he deserves is linebacker Kaden Elliss. The former Saint has really taken off since signing with the Falcons in 2023.

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Elliss, 29, turned in arguably his best season yet in 2024, recording 85 solo tackles, five sacks, 16 QB hits, three passes defended, one interception, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

NFL.com released a new feature listing each team’s most underrated player going into the 2025 NFL season. Elliss was selected as Atlanta’s most underrated player, with Gennaro Filice calling the linebacker a “one-man army” at times last year.

Tied for first with Lavonte David among off-ball ‘backers in pressures (34, per NGS), Elliss paced Atlanta with 16 quarterback hits and fell just one sack shy of the team lead with five.The versatile defender was a one-man army in many games, including the Week 9 win over Dallas, when Elliss piled up 13 tackles (including two for loss), five pressures, three QB hits and a sack. It will be interesting to see how the linebacker’s role evolves under new defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, especially considering the Falcons’ aggressive efforts to upgrade the edge-rushing group this offseason. — Gennaro Filice, NFL.com

The Falcons hope rookies Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. can get the pass rush back to a respectable level this season. Elliss will be counted on more than ever as the team transitions to defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich. His versatility will help Atlanta run a multitude of defensive looks.

Last season, the team ranked 23rd in the NFL in points allowed per game (24.9) and finished 31st in defensive sacks recorded with 31 total. Ulbrich has plenty of work to do, but Elliss should help the transition.

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This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons LB Kaden Elliss named team’s most underrated player