The Atlanta Falcons have already made changes to their initial undrafted free agent class, releasing tight end Brandon Frazier and signing linebacker Daveren Rayner one day after the team’s rookie minicamp.
This is not unusual, though, especially for a team that signed over a dozen undrafted free agents and brought in two dozen players for tryouts. Frazier’s tenure in Atlanta didn’t last long, but the Falcons still have one other rookie tight end on the roster.
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In today’s undrafted free agent spotlight, we look at former Michigan State tight end Jack Velling to see what he can bring to the Falcons in 2026.
Falcons UDFA profile: TE Jack Velling
2025 stats: 36 catches, 359 yards, 3 TD
The Falcons placed their franchise tag on Kyle Pitts, but they don’t have a long-term replacement if he departs following the 2026 season. While former Michigan State Spartans tight end Jack Velling is a far cry from Pitts in terms of playmaking ability, he has some potential upside as a pass-catcher/red-zone specialist.
Velling began his career at Oregon State, where he posted a career-best 438 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in 2023. Despite a promising two-year stretch in which he recorded 45 catches for 719 receiving yards (16 yards per reception) and 11 touchdowns, Velling transferred to Michigan State in 2024.
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During his two seasons in East Lansing, Velling saw an increase in catches (72 total), but his yardage stayed about the same (770 total receiving yards). At 6-foot-5, 245 pounds, the former Spartans tight end has enough size to play at the NFL level but must improve his blocking ability.
In terms of speed, Velling isn’t a burner by any means, but he moves well enough and can be an effective red-zone target for whoever starts at quarterback in Atlanta.
“Velling’s natural hands and route-running polish give him an immediate advantage in passing situations, yet the blocking deficiencies that plagued him in college won’t disappear overnight against stronger, more technical NFL defenders,” NFL Draft Scout wrote in Velling’s pre-draft scouting report.
Falcons’ undrafted free agents: 14 players signed
The Falcons officially signed their 2026 undrafted free agent class last week, agreeing to terms with 14 players. The team has since released tight end Brandon Frazier and signed UDFA linebacker Daveren Rayner. Check out the full list of Falcons UDFA signings below.
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QB Jack Strand, MSU-Moorhead: Atlanta met with Strand before the draft and now he joins the team as its fourth quarterback. Last season, Strand had 3,546 yards and 42 touchdowns with 14 interceptions.
RB Cash Jones, Georgia: Jones met with the team ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. The pass-catching weapon is someone to watch in training camp.
TE Jack Velling, Michigan State: The Falcons have signed former Michigan State tight end Jack Velling. Last season, Velling had 36 catches for 359 receiving yards and three touchdowns over 12 games in East Lansing.
WR Keelan Marion, Miami: The Falcons are signing undrafted Miami wide receiver Keelan Marion, per report. Marion had 57 receptions for 746 receiving yards and two touchdowns for the Hurricanes last season.
WR Vinny Anthony, Wisconsin: The former Badgers wideout will reportedly get $265,000 guaranteed to join Atlanta. Last season, he had 31 catches for 391 receiving yards and one touchdown.
WR Le’Meke Brockington, Minnesota: The Falcons also signed Minnesota wide receiver Le’Meke Brockington. Last season, he had 46 catches for 484 receiving yards and four touchdowns for the Golden Gophers.
OL Kam Dewberry, Alabama: The Falcons are signing former Alabama’s Kam Dewberry. The former Crimson Tide offensive lineman gives the team another developmental guard prospect with some upside.
OL Riley Mahlman, Wisconsin: The Falcons are signing Wisconsin offensive lineman Riley Mahlman. The 6-foot-8 left tackle is an intriguing developmental prospect.
C James Brockermeyer, Miami: The Atlanta Falcons are signing Miami center James Brockermeyer. The former Hurricane offensive lineman can provide depth behind Ryan Neuzil in 2026.
DT Carlos Allen, Houston: Atlanta has signed Houston defensive tackle Carlos Allen Jr. The Falcons needed help at defensive tackle and Allen is someone to watch in training camp.
LB Daveren Rayner, Kentucky: The Falcons signed former Kentucky linebacker Daveren Rayner following their rookie minicamp.
DL CJ Nunnally, Purdue: The Falcons have signed former Purdue defensive lineman CJ Nunnally.
CB Malcolm Dewalt, Akron: The Falcons are signing Akron CB Malcolm Dewalt. Last season, he had two interceptions, one forced fumble and eight passes defended.
LS Philip Florenzo, Clemson: The Falcons have signed long snapper Philip Florenzo out of Clemson. Florenzo was one of just seven long snappers at the combine.
The Falcons completed their rookie minicamp over the weekend. Up next for the team are OTAs (May 26-27, May 29, June 1-2, June 4).
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons UDFA class: TE Jack Velling scouting report