The Atlanta Falcons decided to take a chance on Riley Mahlman from the Wisconsin Badgers as a UDFA. He went undrafted after finishing his eligibility with the Badgers this last season. He's still dripping with potential, but never fully realized it at Wisconsin, and still has some work to do to land on an NFL active roster. However, Bleacher Report just named him the Falcons 'most exciting' UDFA.
After going undrafted, the Falcons were quick to jump on signing him for more depth. However, he was one of the lower guarantees on the Falcons. He still got a sizable one, but it's not as impressive as, say, Vinny Anthony II, who also signed with the Falcons. Mahlman signed for $115,000 in guaranteed money. Not the lowest of the Falcons UDFAs, but towards the bottom.
Riley Mahlman has NFL upside but may need time to develop on the Atlanta Falcons
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While Anthony may have been the more exciting player in terms of national attention, Bleacher Report gives it to Mahlman with this line, "Given his frame, with some time in an NFL weight room and some coaching up, Mahlman could develop into a decent "swing" tackle."
This is, honestly, good to read for Wisconsin fans. Mahlman is in a weird spot as he was a good offensive tackle in college, but not quite good enough at the NFL level. He's too big to be a guard but not quite strong enough to be a tackle. He needs to develop if he wants to be the projection of a "swing" tackle. He has NFL practice squad written all over him.
However, the fact that he's dubbed the most exciting UDFA for the Falcons is a big deal. Especially as he secured this designation over Anthony, Cash Jones, and Kam Dewberry. Given time in the NFL, he really could be a solid player, and the Falcons won't be worried about letting him figure things out.
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