Already, Atlanta Falcons fans have high expectations for rookies Jalon Walker, Xavier Watts, and James Pearce Jr. Finding a potential standout during OTAs demands closer inspection of who could surprise Atlanta fans. Even undrafted free agent signing Cobee Bryant has caught recent headlines for his impressive start. This leads to one clear answer when considering what rookie could become a surprise headline during OTAs.
No player has a better chance to force his way into Atlanta's plans than undrafted rookie receiver Nick Nash. It is important to point out that this in no way means Nash is going to be more impressive than Atlanta's highly drafted rookies. Rather, looking at the team's current depth chart, Nash is in the best position to become a surprise producer.
Nick Nash could be the Missing Piece for a Loaded Atlanta Falcons Offense
Atlanta's starters are locked in with Ray-Ray McCloud, Darnell Mooney, and Drake London as the trio of primary options. However, after this, things grow extremely murky at the position in Atlanta's depth chart. This serves as an opportunity for Nick Nash to work his way into the rotation and become a surprise contributor in the 2025 season.
The reason Nash wasn't drafted is due to having only one incredible college season in an easier conference. Add in the overwhelming talent at receiver throughout the 2025 draft, and Nash being overlooked is understandable. Still, the playmaker deserves credit for putting together 16 touchdowns and 1,382 receiving yards in his final college season.
The college veteran is the exact type of target Penix and Zac Robinson would love to add to the Atlanta offense. This isn't to predict that Nash is going to steal a starting role or become a star overnight. Rather, it is a prediction that a strong OTA performance and a great summer for Nash are going to result in the pass catcher forcing his way up Atlanta's depth chart.
With the limited options in front of him, this is a far easier path than it might appear for the typical undrafted rookie. Nick Nash and Cobee Bryant both have real chances of not only making the final roster as undrafted free agents but also finding contributing roles early in Atlanta's 2025 season.