Did Falcons 'Waste' Opportunity in Undrafted Free Agency?
The Atlanta Falcons hope that they found a few long-term options in this year's rookie crop, whether they were drafted by the team or signed as an undrafted free agent.
Often times, undrafted free agents can outshine the draftees and have long, fruitful careers. Last year, Atlanta had multiple undrafted rookies see regular season action, as nose tackle Timmy Horne, receiver Jared Bernhardt and linebacker Nate Landman all played, as did 2021 undrafted running back Caleb Huntley.
However, FantasyPros isn't a fan of the Falcons' 2023 undrafted free agency class, ranking it dead last in the NFC and 29th overall.
"I always find it such a waste when organizations at a talent disadvantage don't maximize the UDFA process," FantasyPros writes. "That certainly describes the team above, as it does the Falcons."
The Falcons signed four defensive free agents ... Rice EDGE Ikenna Enechukwu, LSU linebacker Mike Jones Jr., Cincinnati safety Ja'von Hicks and UTSA defensive back Clifford Chattman.
On the offensive side of the ball, eight players will suit up for the Falcons ... quarterbacks Chase Brice (Appalachian State), Austin Aune (North Texas), Matt McDonald (Bowling Green), wide receivers Justin Marshall (Buffalo), Keilahn Harris (Oklahoma Baptist), Xavier Malone (Henderson State), tight end Gunner Oakes (Eastern Michigan) and offensive lineman Jacob Gall (Baylor).
It's hard to tell how well the undrafted free agents will perform at this stage in the offseason, but these players' jobs are all about proving people wrong, and they will each have an opportunity to do so ahead of Week 1.
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