Atlanta Falcons Undrafted Free Agents: Need-to-Know Info for Every Signee

The Atlanta Falcons got bigger, stronger and just plain better this year. The goals of the draft were to get meaner and better up front. Atlanta easily did that by selecting offensive tackle Jake Matthews and defensive lineman Ra'Shede Hageman with its first two picks in the draft.

It continued to focus more on the combination spots of safety, linebacker and edge player as the draft went along with the selections of Dezmen Southward, Prince Shembo and Marquis Spruill. Atlanta also took a good running back for its future change-of-pace role in Devonta Freeman.

Then the Falcons closed the draft out with a pair of selections they didn't feel like fighting other teams for in undrafted free agency. With those picks, they selected yet another linebacker pairing of Yawin Smallwood and Tyler Starr.

They filled up quite a few holes, but there are still 20 more roster spots left to address after the nine draft picks. Follow along as we give you all the details for every Atlanta Falcons undrafted free-agent signing. Maybe the Falcons will get another Paul Worrilow or Joplo Bartu this year.

QB Jeff Mathews, Cornell

WENY Sports reporter Jenna Cottrell reported that Cornell quarterback Jeff Mathews signed with the Falcons right after the draft ended. Mathews was the leader of the Ivy League school's offense and did a great job at moving the ball at the FCS level.

As a four-year starter and team captain for the Big Red, Mathews has shown an ability to be the kind of player the Falcons want off the field. Considering he's going to battle with Dominique Davis and Sean Renfree for a roster spot in training camp, he stands a shot of making it.

The Falcons could really upgrade their quarterback situation here if Mathews winds up being as good in the pros as he looked in college. He has the potential to be a long-term backup similar to what Jason Garrett was all those years for Troy Aikman.

Combine/Pro-Day Measurements

Height: 6'3.25" Weight: 223 lbs

Arm Length: 32.125" Hand Measurement: 10.125"

40-Yard Dash: 5.26 sec 10-Yard Split: 1.88 sec

20-Yard Shuttle: 4.36 sec 3-Cone Drill: 7.14 sec

Vertical Jump: 25.5" Broad Jump: 8'9"

Stats 

2013: 9 games played, 228-of-360 (63.3 percent), 2,953 yards, 22 touchdowns, 13 interceptions, 84 carries, -18 yards, 4 touchdowns, 2 tackles 

2012: 9 games played, 251-of-405 (62.0 percent), 3,196 yards, 18 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, 57 carries, -150 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 tackle 

2011: 10 games played, 250-of-368 (67.9 percent), 3,412 yards, 25 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, 49 carries, -138 yards, 1 touchdown 

2010: 10 games played, 172-of-314 (54.8 percent), 1,723 yards, 7 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, 71 carries, -209 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 catch, -2 yards

RB Jerome Smith, Syracuse

Ryan Phillips from RumorsAndRants.com reported that the Falcons signed Syracuse running back Jerome Smith. Smith is very similar to former Falcons running back Jason Snelling in that he has a jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none style.

He's a workhorse back who can block in the passing game and grind defenses down. His biggest issues are a lack of speed and injuries that forced him to miss almost a full season. He also wasn't used much as a receiver.

As a rusher, he shows good vision and enough power to make defenders pay if they try to tackle him. He's also a willing blocker and isn't afraid to chip a guy on the edge while running a route. However, at this point, he's just a screen option.

Combine/Pro-Day Measurements

Height: 5'11" Weight: 220 lbs

Arm Length: 30.875" Hand Measurement: 9.75"

40-Yard Dash: 4.73 sec 10-Yard Split: 1.58 sec

20-Yard Shuttle: 4.60 sec 3-Cone Drill: 7.27 sec Bench Reps: 17 reps

Vertical Jump: 36.0" Broad Jump: 10'3"

Stats

2013: 13 games played, 200 carries, 914 yards, 12 touchdowns, 8 catches, 74 yards, 1 touchdown

2012: 13 games played, 228 carries, 1,176 yards, 3 touchdowns, 8 catches, 83 yards

2011: 12 games played, 37 carries, 134 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 catch, 4 yards

2010: Redshirted after two games played due to a shoulder injury

FB Roosevelt Nix, Kent State

Every year, there are two or three guys who play in the smaller bowl games such as the Medal of Honor Bowl or the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl that stand out and catch the eyes of scouts. Roosevelt Nix was one of the guys at the Medal of Honor Bowl to do so for the Falcons.

According to Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun, the Falcons have signed the former Kent State defensive end with the goal of moving him to fullback. At defensive end, he provided some solid value due to his excellent hand usage and intelligent play.

However, it's going to be his athleticism and size that will make the conversion to fullback for him much easier. The Falcons will have to bring up film of Bruce Miller of the San Francisco 49ers to show him how another defensive end made the conversion successfully.

Combine/Pro-Day Measurements

Height: 5'11.25" Weight: 248 lbs

40-Yard Dash: 4.79 sec 10-Yard Split: 1.63 sec

20-Yard Shuttle: 4.39 sec 3-Cone Drill: 6.97 sec Bench Reps: 22 reps

Vertical Jump: 28.0" Broad Jump: 9'2"

Stats

2013: 11 games played, 41 tackles, 13.0 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 6 QB hurries, 2 fumbles forced, 5 pass deflections, 1 blocked kick

2012: 13 games played, 56 tackles, 13.0 tackles for loss, 6.0 sacks, 4 QB hurries, 3 fumbles forced, 2 pass deflections

2011: 12 games played, 39 tackles, 17.0 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 3 QB hurries, 3 fumbles forced, 1 fumble recovered, 3 pass deflections, 1 defensive touchdown

2010: 12 games played, 43 tackles, 20.0 tackles for loss, 9.0 sacks, 8 QB hurries, 4 fumbles forced, 2 pass deflections, 2 blocked kicks

WR Bernard Reedy, Toledo

According to Tampa Bay Times NFL writer Greg Auman, the Falcons signed Bernard Reedy out of Toledo. The slot receiver is one of the best fits for the Falcons offense in the undrafted groupings. He doesn't have NFL size or great top end speed. 

But he's got very good short area quickness that he uses in order to make people miss. The Falcons could also look at him as a kick returner or punt returner since he has experience there in college. Nonetheless, he looks like nothing more than a camp body.

Combine/Pro Day Measurements

Height: 5'7-3/4" Weight: 173 pounds

40 yard dash: 4.52 sec. 10 yard split: 1.55 sec.

20 yard shuttle: 4.07 sec. 3-cone Drill: 6.84 sec. Bench Reps: 16 reps

Vertical Jump: 37.0" Broad Jump: 10'0"

Stats

2013: 12 Games Played, 62 Catches, 840 Yards, 8 Touchdowns, 5 Carries, 15 Yards, 8 Punt Returns, 77 Yards, 31 Kick Returns, 690 Yards

2012: 13 Games Played, 88 Catches, 1,113 Yards, 6 Touchdowns, 13 Carries, 63 Yards, 19 Punt Returns, 210 Yards, 1 Touchdown, 32 Kick Returns, 885 Yards, 3 Touchdowns, 1 Tackle

2011: 13 Games Played, 40 Catches, 758 Yards, 9 Touchdowns, 4 Carries, 40 Yards, 1 Punt Return, 10 Yards, 7 Kick Returns, 98 Yards

2010: 12 Games Played, 5 Catches, 32 Yards, 8 Carries, 35 Yards, 2 Touchdowns, 6 Kick Returns, 127 Yards, 1 Tackle

WR Geraldo Boldewijn, Boise State

The Atlanta Falcons have brought in the next Brian Finneran with the signing of Geraldo Boldewijn out of Boise State as reported by BJ Rains from the Idaho Press-Tribune. The Falcons will have Boldewijn compete for a roster spot with quite a few other receivers.

He may never end up as anything more than a practice squad player. But the former Boise State wide receiver has a lot of similar traits to Finneran. He's got great short area quickness, runs good routes and has solid hands. The biggest issues he has come from off field issues that led to multiple suspensions.

Combine/Pro Day Measurements

Height: 6'3" Weight: 215 pounds

40 yard dash: 4.56 sec. 10 yard split: 1.58 sec.

20 yard shuttle: 4.19 sec. 3-cone Drill: 6.88 sec. Bench Reps: 18 reps

Vertical Jump: 34.0" Broad Jump: 10'7"

Stats

2013: 13 Games Played, 39 Catches, 528 Yards, 2 Touchdowns, 1 Tackle

2012: 9 Games Played, 18 Catches, 197 Yards, 2 Touchdowns

2011: 9 Games Played, 19 Catches, 266 Yards, 2 Touchdowns

2010: 13 Games Played, 11 Catches, 160 Yards

2009: Redshirted

WR Tramaine Thompson, Kansas State

Tramaine Thompson is another slot receiver that the Falcons signed according to KOTV's Sports Reporter Scott Pfeil. The undersized, speedy slot receiver from Kansas State has quite a bit of returning skills to go with his already solid receiving skills.

He's not a great route runner, but his athleticism is amazing. The Falcons could have him compete for a depth role at returner to go along with his competition for a roster spot at receiver. If the Falcons decide to open up competition at the bottom of the roster, this could be the dark horse to win a job.

Combine/Pro Day Measurements

Height: 5'7-3/8" Weight: 168 pounds

40 yard dash: 4.43 sec. 10 yard split: 1.56 sec.

20 yard shuttle: 4.27 sec. 3-cone Drill: 6.92 sec.

Vertical Jump: 35.5" Broad Jump: 9'11"

Stats 

2013: 11 Games Played, 32 Catches, 551 Yards, 5 Touchdowns, 2 Carries, 17 Yards, 12 Punt Returns, 183 Yards, 2 Kick Returns, 112 Yards, 1 Touchdown

2012: 13 Games Played, 37 Catches, 526 Yards, 4 Touchdowns, 3 Carries, 0 Yards, 16 Punt Returns, 316 Yards, 1 Touchdown, 10 Kick Returns, 334 Yards

2011: 12 Games Played, 21 Catches, 338 Yards, 1 Touchdowns, 2 Carries, -1 Yards, 1 Touchdown, 10 Punt Returns, 123 Yards, 18 Kick Returns, 348 Yards

2010: 8 Games Played, 19 Catches, 258 Yards, 2 Carries, 17 Yards, 13 Punt Returns, 96 Yards

2009: Redshirted

TE Jacob Pedersen, Wisconsin

According to Justin Felder of WLUK-TV in Green Bay, the Falcons have signed Wisconsin tight end and H-back Jacob Pedersen to an undrafted free-agent contract. Pedersen was an excellent Big Ten tight end this past season and was one of the main targets for the Badgers passing game.

As a blocker, there isn't much to dislike. Pedersen can seal the edge effectively and is good when it comes to chipping a defensive end before releasing into a route. He's also able to align himself at fullback, tight end or even slot receiver to maximize the offense.

Pedersen's receiving skills come primarily from soft hands and good route running. He's not the biggest, strongest player, but he's someone who will give Atlanta an intermediate option should he make the team. Considering he only has to beat out Mickey Shuler and Andrew Szczerba, he could very well do so.

Combine/Pro-Day Measurements

Height: 6'3.5" Weight: 238 lbs

Arm Length: 31.75" Hand Measurement: 9"

40-Yard Dash: 4.86 sec 10-Yard Split: 1.74 sec

20-Yard Shuttle: 4.40 sec 3-Cone Drill: 7.55 sec

Vertical Jump: 28.5" Broad Jump: 9'3"

Stats

2013: 12 games played, 39 catches, 551 yards, 3 touchdowns

2012: 14 games played, 27 catches, 355 yards, 4 touchdowns, 1 carry, 10 yards, 1 tackle

2011: 14 games played, 30 catches, 356 yards, 8 touchdowns, 2 tackles

2010: 13 games played, 8 catches, 132 yards, 2 touchdowns, 15 tackles

2009: Redshirted

OL James Stone, Tennessee

ESPN's Adam Caplan reported that the Falcons signed Tennessee offensive lineman James Stone for depth and camp competition at both guard and center. Stone is a multi-year starter and leader on one of the best offensive lines in the SEC and nation.

Stone has played both guard and center throughout his career in Knoxville. The Falcons will be able to use his versatility during training camp and should be looking at him to compete with Gabe Carimi and Harland Gunn for one of the final roster spots.

Combine/Pro Day Measurements

Height: 6'3-5/8" Weight: 306 pounds

Arm Length: 33-7/8" Hand Measurement: 10-1/8"

40 yard dash: 5.15 sec. 10 yard split: 1.81 sec.

20 yard shuttle: 4.63 sec. 3-cone Drill: 8.16 sec. Bench Reps: 22 reps

Vertical Jump: 27.5" Broad Jump: 8'9"

Stats

2013: 12 Games Started at Center and Left Guard

2012: 12 Games Started at Center

2011: 7 Games Started at Center, 9 Games Played at Center

2010: 8 Games Started between Left Guard and Center, 12 Games Played along the offensive line

NT Donte Rumph, Kentucky

Lee Howard, Sports Reporter out of Lexington, Kent.'s CBS and Fox affiliates, has confirmed that Donte Rumph has signed with the Falcons after speaking with his uncle. The massive Rumph should be able to compete for a rotational role in the Falcons defense.

He'll have to beat out Travian Robertson, Cliff Matthews, Peria Jerry and possibly even Corey Peters just to make the roster. If he's unable to make the roster, he will provide a very good camp body at a minimum as he was one of the better interior linemen in the SEC in 2013.

Combine/Pro Day Measurements

Height: 6'2-3/8" Weight: 337 pounds

40 yard dash: 5.07 sec. 10 yard split: 1.92 sec.

20 yard shuttle: 4.93 sec. 3-cone Drill: 8.32 sec. Bench Reps: 24 reps

Vertical Jump: 24.0" Broad Jump: 8'0"

Stats

2013: 12 Games Played, 47 Tackles, 6.0 Tackles for Loss, 2.0 Sacks, 2 QB Hurries, 1 Fumble Forced

2012: 11 Games Played, 36 Tackles, 6.0 Tackles for Loss, 4.0 Sacks, 1 Fumble Forced

2011: 11 Games Played, 31 Tackles, 2.5 Tackles for Loss, 1.0 Sacks, 1 QB Hurry

2010: 12 Games Played, 12 Tackles

DL Nosa Eguae, Auburn

According to Nosa Eguae's own Twitter account, he has signed with the Atlanta Falcons. The defensive lineman continues in the Falcons' goal to get bigger, stronger, tougher and meaner up front. He's a defensive tackle or defensive end depending on the formation.

Falcons defensive coordinator Mike Nolan will have a ton of versatility and leadership coming from this Auburn defender. The leader from the Tigers defensive line, Eguae was good enough that he probably should have been drafted.

However, this draft was ridiculously deep, and he was just another one of the casualties. Atlanta will get a good competition body for camp in Eguae. Should he not make the roster, he's someone it should stash on the practice squad.

Combine/Pro-Day Measurements

Height: 6'3" Weight: 282 lbs

40-Yard Dash: 5.19 sec 10-Yard Split: 1.81 sec

20-Yard Shuttle: 4.66 sec 3-Cone Drill: 7.77 sec Bench Reps: 24 reps

Vertical Jump: 26.5" Broad Jump: 8'2"

Stats

2013: 14 games played, 22 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, 6 QB hurries, 1 blocked kick

2012: 12 games played, 23 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, 1.0 sacks, 2 QB hurries

2011: 13 games played, 38 tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss, 12 QB hurries, 1 pass deflections

2010: 14 games played, 22 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 5 QB hurries

2009: Redshirted

EP Walker May, Vanderbilt

According to his agent, Walker May signed a contract with the Atlanta Falcons after going undrafted over the weekend. May was a good run defender for the Commodores and could set the edge effectively for them for the past five years.

Atlanta has a ton of talent ahead of him after drafting Tyler Starr and Prince Shembo to go with Kroy Biermann, Jonathan Massaquoi, and Osi Umenyiora. The Falcons will likely end up cutting May unless he can look like a future Pro Bowl player in camp.

Combine/Pro Day Measurements

Height: 6'4-1/8" Weight: 247 pounds

40 yard dash: 4.85 sec. 10 yard split: 1.70 sec.

20 yard shuttle: 4.39 sec. 3-cone Drill: 7.15 sec. Bench Reps: 23 reps

Vertical Jump: 33.5" Broad Jump: 10'0"

Stats

2013: 13 Games Played, 41 Tackles, 9.0 Tackles for Loss, 4.0 Sacks, 5 QB Hurries, 1 Fumble Forced, 1 Pass Deflection

2012: 13 Games Played, 41 Tackles, 10.5 Tackles for Loss, 3.0 Sacks, 7 QB Hurries, 2 Pass Deflections

2011: 13 Games Played, 30 Tackles, 4.5 Tackles for Loss, 2.5 Sacks, 2 QB Hurries

2010: 8 Games Played, 29 Tackles, 6.0 Tackles for Loss, 1.5 Sacks, 2 QB Hurries, 1 Blocked Kick

2009: Redshirted

LB Jacques Smith, Tennessee

Adam Caplan reported that the Falcons signed Tennessee outside linebacker Jacques Smith. He played both defensive end and outside linebacker when he was at Tennessee. However, he wasn't a very good pass rusher and struggled in coverage.

Smith looks like another camp body that will compete just to get snaps in practice for the Falcons. He's not overly fast but he has more than ideal size for a linebacker in the scheme. If he can learn how to play inside linebacker, he could stand a chance to make the roster.

Combine/Pro Day Measurements

Height: 6'1-7/8" Weight: 258 pounds

40 yard dash: 4.88 sec. 10 yard split: 2.75 sec.

20 yard shuttle: 4.68 sec. 3-cone Drill: 7.49 sec. Bench Reps: 27 reps

Vertical Jump: 36.5" Broad Jump: 10'7"

Stats

2013: 10 Games Played, 28 Tackles, 2.0 Tackles for Loss, 0.5 Sacks, 2 QB Hurries, 1 Interception, 1 Defensive Touchdown

2012: 12 Games Played, 33 Tackles, 7.0 Tackles for Loss, 2.0 Sacks, 8 QB Hurries

2011: 12 Games Played, 35 Tackles, 7.5 Tackles for Loss, 0.5 Sacks, 6 QB Hurries, 1 Fumble Forced, 1 Pass Deflection

2010: 13 Games Played, 24 Tackles, 5.0 Tackles for Loss, 2.0 Sacks, 4 QB Hurries, 1 Fumble Forced

S Javon Marshall, Vanderbilt

Javon Marshall's agent posted on twitter that he was signing with the Atlanta Falcons. The SEC standout is one of the best special teams and tackling safeties available after the draft. Atlanta takes on another former team captain here.

His issues all come down to the fact that he's got cornerback size without cornerback speed. Atlanta could give him a look at nickel cornerback as well, but he's not going to end up beating out any of the talent there. He's likely just a camp body.

Combine/Pro Day Measurements

Height: 5'9-1/4" Weight: 199 pounds

40 yard dash: 4.57 sec. 10 yard split: 1.66 sec.

20 yard shuttle: 4.33 sec. 3-cone Drill: 6.83 sec. Bench Reps: 20 reps

Vertical Jump: 39.5" Broad Jump: 10'4"

Stats

2013: 13 Games Played, 80 Tackles, 5.5 Tackles for Loss, 1.0 Sack, 1 Interception, 2 Pass Deflections

2012: 13 Games Played, 83 Tackles, 2.0 Tackles for Loss, 1 Fumble Forced, 2 Pass Deflections

2011: 13 Games Played, 42 Tackles, 0.5 Tackles for Loss, 2 Interceptions, 4 Pass Deflections

2010: 8 Games Played, 4 Tackles, 1 Fumble Forced, 1 Fumble Recovered, 1 Pass Deflection, 1 Defensive Touchdown

2009: Redshirted

S Jestin Love, Central Arkansas

Central Arkansas Safety Jestin Love posted on his own twitter that he is heading to the Atlanta Falcons to attempt to start an NFL career. He's got prototypical size and good explosion when he hits people. But Love likely won't be anything but a camp body long term.

He's instinctual in the passing game though and with a couple of good deflections or interceptions in preseason, he could end up making the practice squad early on. However, don't expect him to be anything for Atlanta past final cut downs.

Combine/Pro Day Measurements

Height: 5'11-7/8" Weight: 207 pounds

40 yard dash: 4.62 sec. 10 yard split: 1.58 sec.

20 yard shuttle: 4.19 sec. 3-cone Drill: 6.91 sec. Bench Reps: 22 reps

Vertical Jump: 38.0" Broad Jump: 10'3"

Stats

2013: 11 Games Played, 49 Tackles, 3.0 Tackles for Loss, 2 Fumbles Recovered, 6 Pass Deflections, 2 Kick Returns, 31 Yards, 1 Punt Return, 5 Yards

2012: 12 Games Played, 91 Tackles, 3.0 Tackles for Loss, 1 Interception, 1 Fumble Forced, 4 Pass Deflections

2011: 13 Games Played, 75 Tackles, 2.0 Tackles for Loss, 5 Interceptions, 2 Fumble Forced, 1 Fumble Recovered, 5 Pass Deflections, 1 Defensive Touchdown, 1 Kick Return, 13 Yards

2010: 10 Games Played, 39 Tackles, 2.0 Tackles for Loss, 6 Interceptions, 1 Fumble Recovered, 1 Pass Deflection, 2 Defensive Touchdowns

2009: Redshirted

S Kimario McFadden, South Carolina State

Kristian Garic of 105.3 FM in New Orleans reported the that Falcons have signed South Carolina State safety Kimario McFadden. The South Carolina State safety was one of the best players in his conference the past two seasons.

However, due to average size and speed, he's going to have to compete just to get practice reps with other signings Javon Marshall and Jestin Love. It's going to be very unlikely that he will even make the roster, and he is likely just a camp body.

Combine/Pro Day Measurements

Height: 5'10-1/2" Weight: 207 pounds

40 yard dash: 4.56 sec. 10 yard split: 1.56 sec.

20 yard shuttle: 4.36 sec. 3-cone Drill: 7.14 sec. Bench Reps: 15 reps

Vertical Jump: 34.0" Broad Jump: 9'9"

Stats

2013: 13 Games Played, 75 Tackles, 9.0 Tackles for Loss, 2.5 Sacks, 1 Interception, 1 Fumble Forced, 2 Fumbles Recovered, 5 Pass Deflections

2012: 11 Games Played, 54 Tackles, 6.0 Tackles for Loss, 1.0 Sacks, 1 QB Hurry, 2 Interceptions, 1 Fumble Forced, 2 Fumbles Recovered, 8 Pass Deflections, 1 Defensive Touchdown

McFadden was at Alabama A&M, Georgia Military Academy and Atlanta Prep prior to this.

All stats used are either from Pro Football Focus' Premium Stats (subscription required), ESPN, CFBStats or the NFL. All combine and pro day info is courtesy NFL Draft Scout. All contract information is courtesy of Spotrac and Rotoworld.

Scott Carasik is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. He covers the Atlanta Falcons, College Football, NFL and the NFL draft. He also runs DraftFalcons.com.

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