FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons 2025 rookie class arrives soon for its three-day introductory minicamp.
All 16 members will take to the practice field for the first time Friday.
The Falcons' five draft selections have been covered extensively thus far:
The team's 11 undrafted free agents remain quite a mystery but hold just as much potential. That is proven true each year across the league as previously unheralded prospects ascend the depth chart. Linebacker Nate Landman is a great recent example of this for Atlanta.
"You can look at historical numbers," Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot said. "Every year, there's going to be first-round picks that don't play well and there's going to be undrafted free agents that end up being really good players."
Who doesn't love an underdog story?
Therefore, below are three undrafted free agents to keep an eye on this weekend.
CB Cobee Bryant
Height: 6 feet
Weight: 180 pounds
Age: 23 years old
School: University of Kansas
Bryant going undrafted came as a surprise to the prospect and public. He had a successful career at Kansas and recorded 13 interceptions in four seasons, including eight in the last two. He also turned two picks into touchdowns, proving he can be a real playmaker once the ball is in his hands. Bryant's biggest knock through the evaluation process was his smaller size, but his fierce competitiveness earned him praise.
The Falcons presumably have their starting cornerbacks in A.J. Terrell Jr. and Mike Hughes, who are both back from that role in 2024. Terrell signed a four-year extension last offseason, which will keep him in Atlanta through the 2028 season. Hughes was re-signed this offseason to a three-year deal that'll also last through 2028. Issue is, there is no heir apparent for either. Bryant could perhaps become that one day and should compete to provide depth from Day 1.
WR Nick Nash
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 203 pounds
Age: 25 years old
School: San Jose State University
Nash had a rather interesting collegiate career at San Jose State, beginning as a quarterback in 2019 and transitioning to wide receiver in 2022. He started to show true progress in 2023 – with 728 yards – but really skyrocketed in 2024 – with 1,382 yards. What's even crazier, Nash became the fourth player in FBS history last season to earn the Triple Cown, which means he led in yards, receptions (104) and touchdowns (16). That's all without what would be considered elite speed; he posted a 4.57-second 40-yard dash.
The Falcons retained their top wide receivers from last season: Drake London and Darnell Mooney. And just like last offseason, it's safe to say they'll remain the priority in the pass game this upcoming season. But the role of WR3 is up for debate. Ray-Ray McCloud III could be that guy again. Nash could enter the running, too, given his experience.
TE Joshua Simon
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 239 pounds
Age: 24 years old
School: University of South Carolina
Simon consistently proved he can be an asset in the passing game at the collegiate level, whether that be with South Carolina (2023-24) or Western Kentucky University (2019-22). He peaked in his final season with 519 yards and seven touchdowns, which led all receivers on the Gamecocks; the next-best total was 375 yards and three touchdowns by a wideout. Simon has long arms — 33 7/8 inches, good for an 83-inch wingspan – that help him within the red zone.
The Falcons could use a reliable tight end for quarterback Michael Penix Jr. to target because, from last year's roster, Kyle Pitts Sr. has lacked consistency as of late and Charlie Woerner has been used primarily as a run blocker. The Falcons signed Teagan Quitoriano as a free agent, but he has battled injuries the past two years. So, all that leaves an opening for Simon to make his mark on Atlanta's offense.
Honorable mention: OL Joshua Gray
Gray deserves attention because of the Falcons' starting center situation. Ryan Neuzil still hasn't officially re-signed, despite all the tender deadlines having passed. At this point, it's just a pen-to-paper formality. But still, Atlanta should foster depth behind Neuzil. And Gray could prove to be a good backup. Or at least be in the conversation with the returning depth pieces of Jovaughn Gwyn and Matthew Cindric.
