Did Falcons 'Waste' Opportunity in Undrafted Free Agency?

The Atlanta Falcons received underwhelming reviews for their undrafted free agency class.

Jeremy Brener | May 14, 2023

In this story:

Atlanta Falcons

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.

You can follow Jeremy Brener on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Falcons? Click Here.

Follow Falcon Report on Twitter.

Want even more Atlanta Falcons news? Check out the SI.com team page here

Published May 14, 2023

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.