Why Falcons WR Josh Ali Made 53-Man Roster

Atlanta Falcons undrafted free agent Josh Ali is on the team's initial 53-man roster.

Atlanta Falcons receiver Josh Ali is defying the odds as an undrafted free agent and is set to be part of the team's 53-man roster. 

The former Kentucky Wildcat faced long odds, but he has impressed in camp enough to hold onto the roster.

"In Atlanta's wide-open receiver room after Drake London, it is an almost-unknown player who has stood out.," ESPN writes. "Ali, who was on the practice squad last season after suffering a knee injury late in his college career at Kentucky, worked a bunch in 2022 with Falcons starting quarterback Desmond Ridder. That chemistry has shown, and Ali has gotten work with the veterans, usually a good sign for a player with 14 career snaps and one career target."

USA Today

After going undrafted in 2022, the second-year wideout spent most of last season on the Falcons practice squad. However, Ali had the opportunity to play over the final two weeks of the regular against the Arizona Cardinals and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

Now with a whole season behind him and the Falcons needing versatility throughout their receivers, the former Wildcat could find a permanent roster spot following a successful preseason and training camp. 

“The position I’m in right now, I can play every [receiver] position, so that’s what I’m learning,” Ali said via ESPN. “I feel like if I do every position on the field and special teams, I have a good chance.”

Ali, 23, is expected to compete for playing time alongside Drake London, Mack Hollins and Scotty Miller, among others.