The Atlanta Falcons had one of the league's worst defenses during the 2024 season. Therefore, heading into the NFL Draft this past weekend, the Falcons' main priority was adding talent on the defensive side of the ball. Atlanta started off the draft by selecting Georgia pass rusher Jalon Walker. Then they traded back into the first round at No. 26 to select Tennessee's James Pearce Jr.
Following that, the Falcons' next pick came in the third round at 96 overall after trading with the Philadelphia Eagles. Atlanta selected Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts with that pick. Twenty-two picks after drafting Watts, the Falcons took Oklahoma safety Billy Bowman at No. 118.
Bowman was the franchise's final defensive selection in the 2025 draft. That said, Atlanta has continued to add young defenders through undrafted free agency. One of the UDFA 's that was added is cornerback Cobee Bryant. Bryant has the chance to quickly become a fan favorite in Atlanta.
Falcons UDFA Cobee Bryant Could Become Fans' Next Favorite Cornerback
Bryant spent all four years of his collegiate career with the Kansas Jayhawks as one of their starting cornerbacks. During his time with the Jayhawks, Bryant recorded 128 tackles, 11 TFLs, 22 pass deflections, 13 interceptions and 1.5 sacks.
That high level of production earned the 23-year-old First Team All-Big 12 honors in consecutive seasons. Furthermore, Bryant's 13 interceptions tied Aqib Talib's school record (h/t Dane Brugler).
When Cobee Bryant stole the receiver's towel then threw it up in the air to snag an interception. pic.twitter.com/3OrmWXyTmq
— Football’s Greatest Moments (@FBGreatMoments) April 24, 2025
Nevertheless, concerns about Bryant's average speed, thin frame, and tendency to draw penalties likely resulted in him being undrafted. Still, Brugler had him as a projected sixth-round pick, so Atlanta signing him as a UDFA is a slight steal.
Although Bryant may have a long road to seeing the field, if he is able to make plays like he did in college, he will quickly become a fan favorite in Atlanta.