Falcons Must Keep UDFA WR After Standout Performance in Preseason Finale

The Atlanta Falcons would look foolish if they let this preseason stud go.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Nick Nash (80) runs with the ball as Dallas Cowboys cornerback Troy Pride Jr. (32) defends during the first half at AT&T Stadium.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Nick Nash (80) runs with the ball as Dallas Cowboys cornerback Troy Pride Jr. (32) defends during the first half at AT&T Stadium. | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

The Atlanta Falcons headed into Friday's preseason finale against the Dallas Cowboys without a win, and winless they shall remain this summer. The Falcons struggled to impress head coach Raheem Morris' staff to close out the preseason, falling 31-13 to the Cowboys in a game that saw Atlanta outscored in every quarter except for the second.

It can be tough to find positives in a lopsided outcome, especially when it's an 18-point loss. Having said that, some Falcons performed better than others under the bright lights at AT&T Stadium on Friday, including an undrafted rookie whom Atlanta can't afford to cut next week.

Falcons Must Keep UDFA WR Nick Nash After Performance vs. Cowboys

The Falcons made a handful of signings after the 2025 NFL draft wrapped up, with one of those deals involving former San Jose State wide receiver Nick Nash. The former quarterback-turned-WR led the Mountain West Conference in receptions (104) and receiving yards (1,382) while catching a nation-leading 16 touchdowns, giving Atlanta fans plenty of hope that he could challenge for a 53-man roster spot.

It hasn't taken long for Nash to exceed expectations this offseason, and that trend continued against the Cowboys. The ex-Spartan finished the game with six receptions on nine targets and a team-leading 87 receiving yards, with his longest catch being a 24-yard reception. He now finishes the preseason with 12 catches and 136 yards in three contests.

Nash won't blow anyone's mind with breakneck speed, but his ability to make contest catches due to his 6-foot-3, 195-pound frame makes him an undeniable asset. He's already shown chemistry with the Falcons' quarterback room, and continuing on his current trajectory could see him become one of QB Michael Penix Jr.'s favorite weapons this season.

Hopefully, HC Morris will find a way to keep Nash on the 53-man roster. Drake London, Darnell Mooney, Ray-Ray McCloud III, and KhaDarel Hodge are on track to be the Falcons' top four WRs. Chris Blair has been the team's best pass-catcher in the preseason, so he'll probably land the fifth spot, leaving Nash in the mix with the likes of Casey Washington, Jamal Agnew, and Dylan Drummond for the WR6 role.

Considering how the UDFA rookie has outperformed each of those names with his stellar exhibition play, it's obvious who the job should go to.

The 2025 53-man roster deadline will go into effect at 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, leaving time to tell if the Falcons will still be rostering Nash once the cut-off passes.

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