Falcons undrafted free agent profile: WR Malik Rutherford

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May 7, 2026 - 23:30
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Falcons undrafted free agent profile: WR Malik Rutherford

The Atlanta Falcons only had six picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, but they compensated for their lack of draft capital by agreeing to terms with 16 undrafted free agents. The team's UDFA class shows just how big of a hole Atlanta had at the wide receiver position.

Five of the Falcons' undrafted free agents were wide receivers, accounting for nearly one-third of the team's total UDFA signings. After looking at Vinny Anthony and Keelan Marion, today we will examine Georgia Tech wide receiver Malik Rutherford.

Falcons UDFA profile: WR Malik Rutherford

  • 2025 Stats: 46 catches, 523 yards, 3 TD

The Yellow Jackets standout spent his entire collegiate career at Georgia Tech, recording 182 receptions for 2,014 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns over five seasons (2021-2025). While he doesn't have a ton of experience as a return man, Rutherford returned a few kicks in college. At 5-foot-9, he projects as a slot receiver in the NFL.

Last season, Rutherford recorded 46 catches for 523 yards and three touchdowns at Georgia Tech. Atlanta needs some help at slot receiver and the local product could help provide some if he makes a good impression during training camp.

"Rutherford finished his collegiate career ranked second in Georgia Tech history with 182 career receptions (behind only Kelly Campbell, who had 195 catches from 1998-01 and one slot ahead of College and Pro Football Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson, who caught 178 passes as a Yellow Jacket from 2004-06)," Georgia Tech's website said of Rutherford.

While his athletic testing did not jump off the charts (2.26 RAS score), Rutherford's film is a different story. He was was clocked at 20.5 miles per hour in a game against Florida State during the 2024 season (see clip below.)

See the Falcons' full list of undrafted free agent signings below (Note: signings have yet to be confirmed by the team).

Falcons' undrafted free agents (unofficial)

  1. QB Jack Strand, MSU-Moorhead: According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the Falcons are signing MSU-Moorhead quarterback Jack Strand. 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.
  2. RB Cash Jones, Georgia: The Falcons are signing undrafted Georgia running back Cash Jones, per SI draft expert Justin Melo. Jones met with the team ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. The pass-catching weapon is someone to watch in training camp.
  3. TE Brandon Frazier, Auburn: According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Falcons are signing undrafted free agent Auburn tight end/h-back Brandon Frazier. A blocking specialist, Frazier gives the team some much-needed tight end depth.
  4. TE Jack Velling, Michigan State: The Falcons are signing undrafted Michigan State tight end Jack Velling, per NFL insider Jordan Schultz. Last season, Velling had 36 catches for 359 receiving yards and three touchdowns over 12 games in East Lansing.
  5. 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.
  6. WR Andrel Anthony, Duke: According to USA TODAY reporter Arye Pulli, the Falcons are signing undrafted Duke wide receiver Andrel Anthony. The former Blue Devil had 26 catches for 246 receiving yards and five touchdowns last season.
  7. WR Malik Rutherford, Georgia Tech: The Falcons are signing Georgia Tech wide receiver Malik Rutherford according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. The 5-foot-9 wideout recorded 46 catches for 519 yards and three touchdowns last season.
  8. WR Vinny Anthony, Wisconsin: According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Falcons are signing Wisconsin wide receiver Vinny Anthony. 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.
  9. WR Le'Meke Brockington, Minnesota: According to NFL insider Aaron Wilson, the Falcons are signing Minnesota wide receiver Le'Meke Brockington. Last season, he had 46 catches for 484 receiving yards and four touchdowns for the Golden Gophers.
  10. CB Malcolm Dewalt, Akron: The Atlanta Falcons are signing Akron CB Malcolm Dewalt, according to NFL reporter Easton Butler. Dewalt had two interceptions, one forced fumble and eight passes defended last season.
  11. OL Kam Dewberry, Texas A&M: The Falcons are signing Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Kam Dewberry, per reporter Wyatt Fulton. Dewberry is another developmental guard prospect with some upside.
  12. OL Riley Mahlman, Wisconsin: The Falcons are signing Wisconsin offensive lineman Riley Mahlman, per NFL reporter Aaron Wilson. The 6-foot-8 left tackle is an intriguing developmental prospect.
  13. C James Brockermeyer, Miami: The Atlanta Falcons are signing Miami center James Brockermeyer, per NFL reporter Matt Zenitz reported. Brokermeyer can provide depth behind Ryan Neuzil in 2026.
  14. DT Carlos Allen, Houston: "Former Houston DT Carlos Allen is signing with the Falcons, per source," NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero reported on Saturday evening. The Falcons needed help at defensive tackle and Allen is someone to watch in training camp.
  15. DL CJ Nunnally, Purdue: The Falcons are expected to sign former Purdue defensive lineman CJ Nunnally, according to NFL reporter Matt Zenitz.
  16. LSPhilip Florenzo, Clemson: The Falcons have signed long snapper Philip Florenzo, per report. Florenzo was one of just seven long snappers at the combine.

This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons UDFA class: WR Malik Rutherford scouting report

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