Intriguing UDFAs

A lot of people hoped to see undrafted free agents Nick Nash and Cobee Bryant make the roster. They each had a case, but the Falcons were able to stash both of them on the practice squad. Their upside makes them intriguing candidates to make an impact this season. Cobee Bryant was a three-time All Big 12 cornerback at Kansas, and Nick Nash led all of college football in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns last season.

QB3

Easton Stick hangs around as the Falcons third string quarterback. In a perfect world, he never sees the active roster. Unless, of course, a trade opportunity emerges for Kirk Cousins, who is slated to serve as the backup to Michael Penix Jr.

Veteran Depth

Kentavius Street has six years of experience in the league and could provide some stability in the middle of the Falcons defensive line. Former first-round pick C.J. Henderson signed with the Falcons late in the offseason but has starting experience at cornerback, one of the thinnest position groups on Atlanta’s defense. Ronnie Harrison has played in 84 NFL games, 48 of which were starts. He’s spent most of his time in the league as a safety, but the Falcons have been using him as a linebacker, an area that is also rather thin with Troy Andersen beginning the season on the PUP list.

Critical Offensive Tackle Help

On Wednesday, it was announced that a couple of offensive tackles were signed by the Falcons and added to the practice squad. Carter Warren, a fourth-round pick from the Jets in 2023, has started in six games over the last two seasons. He might be on the practice squad right now, but there’s a chance he’s the best healthy right tackle in the building.

The Falcons also signed Ryan Hayes, who was a seventh-round pick of the Dolphins last year. He’ll have a chance to compete for some opportunities as well, as there are no good options right now to protect the blindside of Michael Penix Jr. Whoever can help keep the first-year starting quarterback upright is going to play.

Kicker of the Future?

Even though Lenny Krieg lost the offseason kicking battle to the incumbent Younghoe Koo, he remains on the Falcons practice squad as an extra 17th player. It was nice to see Koo looking like the old version of himself throughout training camp and the preseason, but there’s no pressure in any of that. The real test begins next Sunday, and if he starts missing kicks again, the Falcons should have a quick leash this time around.