The Atlanta Falcons signed a modest 10 undrafted free agents after the 2024 NFL Draft, one of which has already been released from his contract. The nine remaining players represent one of the smaller UDFA classes around the NFL. Former Southern Utah receiver and return specialist Isaiah Wooden has the best chance to make the 53-man roster.
Wooden took a path well-traveled to the NFL draft. The San Diego, California native began his college career at Utah Tech before transferring to Kent State and eventually Southern Utah. Wooden enjoyed a career-best campaign this past season by recording 61 receptions for 904 yards and 14 touchdowns.
The undersized 5-foot-7, 176-pound Wooden can flat-out fly. The former Thunderbirds standout was clocked at 4.35 in the 40-yard dash with an explosive 10-yard split of 1.38 at his pro day. The fastest recorded 10-yard split of any prospect at this year's NFL Scouting Combine was 1.47. Former Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy, who set the combine record with a 4.21 40, had a 1.49 10-yard split. Wooden's short-area explosiveness is eye-popping. He also had a 44.5-inch vertical and a 10-foot-5 broad jump.
Falcons have signed former Southern Utah WR Isaiah Wooden Sr. as an UDFA pic.twitter.com/x8RGUTCYjH
— Steven Padillas (@Falcons_Pad) April 28, 2024
Wooden returned 14 kicks across two seasons at Southern Utah. He gained a total of 386 yards, averaging an impressive 27.6 yards per kickoff return. This past season, Wooden returned six punts, signaling he's capable of contributing via all special teams phases. At Utah Tech in 2018, he returned eight kicks for 288 yards and one touchdown, a 92-yard return versus South Dakota Mines. He also maximized his reps by scoring three offensive touchdowns via just 14 total touches.
The Falcons could be searching for new returners as well. Cordarrelle Patterson led all Falcons players in kickoff return attempts last season and is now a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Atlanta ranked 31st in average yards gained per kick return at 16.9.
Dee Alford was the primary punt returner and still remains on the roster, but Marquice Williams' unit (special teams coach) ranked 30th in that department with 7.2 yards gained per punt. It should be a wide-open competition at training camp with Wooden receiving opportunities on both teams.
Isaiah Wooden with the 6️⃣3️⃣ yard return to give the T-Bird offense a spark at the end of the first 🔥#TBirdNation pic.twitter.com/OW9vaof7E9
— Southern Utah Football (@SUUFB_) November 6, 2022
Wooden could also contend for reps in the slot and manufactured touches. The Falcons have a top three at receiver with Drake London, Darnell Mooney, and Rondale Moore expected to spearhead 11 personnel. The undersized Moore should start in the slot after Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot acquired him via trade earlier this offseason.
The Falcons do not possess terrific depth at receiver behind those three starters. Wooden should manage to push the likes of KhaDarel Hodge, Ray-Ray McCloud III, and others on the initial 53-man roster. There's not much competition in Wooden's way.
Wooden possesses high-end play speed. He’s versatile enough to play on every special teams unit, particularly as a starting kickoff and punt returner. Expect Wooden to impress Atlanta’s coaching staff throughout training camp and the preseason. He should make a valiant effort toward capturing a 53-man roster spot.
