The Falcons have had success with undrafted free agents in the past, a couple of which have become contributors on defense.
Most notably, Dee Alford and Nate Landman have become a couple of solid pieces in Atlanta. Both ended up starting a lot of games for the Falcons last year. Alford began the year as the starting nickel cornerback but ended up eventually losing his starting role for reasons unknown.
This year, the CFL product is expected to play a significant role in Raheem Morris’ defense. The Falcons new head coach is reportedly high on Alford, and for a cornerback unit that doesn’t have two obvious starters next to A.J. Terrell, this is one hell of an opportunity for Alford.
Playing time may be harder to come by for Nate Landman. The Colorado product was thrust into a starting role last year when Troy Andersen went down with a season-ending injury, and Landman made the absolute most of his opportunity.
He ended up starting 14 games, totaling 110 tackles, three pass breakups, three forced fumbles and two sacks following Anderson’s Week 3 injury. Though Landman leaves something to be desired in coverage, he’s done enough to force Jimmy Lake and Raheem Morris to give him a chance to compete with Andersen for the starting gig next to Elliss.
Terry Fontenot did spend a second-round pick on Andersen, so I’d assume they’d prefer him to take the reins back, but he won’t just be given the starting job. But who’s next? The next UDFA could be here; Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report’s most exciting undrafted free agent for the Falcons is Nolan Potter.
An NFL squad isn’t going to find many, if any, offensive linemen more experienced than Nolan Potter.
Over the last four seasons, Potter started 43 games for the Northern Illinois Huskies. Potter is a natural right tackle who can immediately compete to back up Kaleb McGary for the Atlanta Falcons.
The Falcons did bring in Storm Norton last season, but he’s been a replacement-level performer throughout his career. Potter is a bit of a throwback as a more traditional right tackle who isn’t the most nimble yet fires off the ball quickly and with authority.
While mainly set at tackle, Potter will almost assuredly cross-train at guard and potentially help along the interior. As long as he shows the capability of doing so, the undrafted rookie can add quality depth to an offensive line after the Falcons didn’t address the position group during the draft or in free agency.
Unlike an undrafted wide receiver, an undrafted offensive lineman has a much better shot at making the final 53-man roster. The Falcons also don’t have an obvious swing tackle other than Storm Norton, so there’s a pathway for Nolan Potter to make the final roster. It only helps his chances if he’s position-versatile and able to kick inside.
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