Bleacher Report names Falcons' most-exciting undrafted free agent
· Yahoo Sports
The end of May might be a boring time for the average NFL fan, but for undrafted free agents trying to make a roster in their first year in the league, it's crunch-time.
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OTAs are when UDFAs either separate themselves from other rookies and veterans at the same positions, or they find themselves looking at potentially the end of their football careers if they don't catch on somewhere else before the season begins.
For the Atlanta Falcons, one name to watch in the coming weeks is Wisconsin offensive tackle Riley Mahlman, who's been named Atlanta's most-exciting undrafted free agent by Bleacher Report.
"He is massive, checking in at 6'8" and 308 pounds," wrote B/R's Gary Davenport. "Mahlman's length and experience are intriguing—he has started double-digit games on both the left and right sides. But his play strength is below average, and given how tall he is, a move inside to guard seems unlikely. Still, given his frame, with some time in an NFL weight room and some coaching up, Mahlman could develop into a decent swing tackle."
Mahlman put in a solid 2025 season at Wisconsin, earning a 62.9 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking 282 out of 632 qualifying tackles. He earned higher marks for pass blocking (72.0) than run blocking (58.8).
Pass protection is more important for a tackle - especially one hoping to make this team. Entering his prime years, star running back Bijan Robinson is going to get his one way or another. Obviously big running lanes help, but as much as any rusher in the league Robinson is capable of creating yards out of nowhere.
The key then for the Falcons offensive line this year and going forward is keeping either MIchael Penix or Tua Tagovailoa clean in the pocket. Neither are skilled enough to overcome poor pass protection - so tackles that can't protect need not apply.
For now, Mahlman will be competing with Jack Nelson for the second spot at left tackle behind Jake Matthews. Mahlman may also see action at right tackle if he can impress more than Mike Jerrell and Storm Norton.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons: UDFA Riley Mahlman could make roster