Atlanta Falcons sign disappointing UDFA class according to draft analyst | Sporting News

Atlanta Falcons sign disappointing UDFA class according to draft analyst | Sporting News

May 7, 2024

FantasyPro’s Thor Nystrom ranked all 32 NFL teams based on their UDFA classes following the 2024 NFL draft. According to Nystrom, the Atlanta Falcons signed a disappointing class, ranking it dead last.

Atlanta’s baffling draft was followed by a non-serious effort in the UDFA process.

The highest-ranked prospect on my pre-draft board from the group is tiny FCS WR Isaiah Wooden Jr. He’s the one guy I’m intrigued by – due to his high-octane athleticism. Wooden Jr. ranked No. 1 among all WRs in this class with a 1.38 10-split and a 44 1/2-inch vertical. He ran a 4.35 40-yard dash. He has the traits to play the slot in the NFL, and he also brings more competition to the returner battles in camp – Wooden Jr. handled both kick and punt duties the past two years at Southern Utah.

TE Austin Stogner may be at the end, but it was worth bringing him in to find out for sure. He was a top-75 overall recruit coming out of high school, he has an ideal frame, and he looked like a future star in 2020 in Lincoln Riley’s offense. But Stogner came down with a serious staph infection that fall – he lost 35 pounds, required surgery, and nearly lost his leg. Since coming back, he has not been the same player – in his three active seasons since, he had between 166-210 receiving yards each campaign.

After a confusing 2024 draft, the Falcons needed as much help as possible to supplement the cornerback position, wide receiver and depth along the offensive line. The Falcons made some dart throws at those positions in their UDFA class.

Listed below are profiles for each player that Atlanta signed as an undrafted free agent:

Virginia Tech WR/KR Cole Beck and Northern Alabama EDGE Philip Ossai were invited to rookie minicamp. Beck accepted a contract to sign with the New York Jets.