"Linebacker Sean Weatherspoon, dubbed the "Baby Lion" by Mike Peterson when he was a rookie, grew up during his second season.

The 2010 first-round draft pick settled in nicely at weakside linebacker with 125 tackles, 14 tackles for losses, eight passes defensed and four sacks.

"I think Sean had a breakout season this year," Falcons coach Mike Smith said. "People took notice in terms of his ability around the [NFL]. You saw that in the Pro Bowl voting as well. He garnered some attention there. I think he's going to be a great player for us in the future.""