PFF names undrafted FCS star rookie to watch for Atlanta Falcons

THE Atlanta Falcons didn’t add any secondary depth in the 2024 NFL Draft. But the team added three cornerbacks via undrafted free agency.

Thomas Valentine of Pro Football Focus (PFF) named one of those cornerbacks – North Dakota State’s Jayden Price – the team’s undrafted free agent to watch.

“The Falcons secondary was a much-improved unit in 2023 thanks to the arrival of Jessie Bates, but cornerback depth is still a need across the league, and the team may have found it in Price,” Valentine wrote on PFF. “The former North Dakota State cornerback has earned at least a 71.0 coverage grade in two of the last three FBS seasons and snagged two interceptions in 2023.”

Price played in 71 games for the Bison over five college seasons. He started receiving playoff accolades in 2021 when he earned a spot on the All-MVFC Second Team.

Throughout his college career, Price played cornerback and returned punts. He started all 15 games for his team at cornerback and earned honorable mention All-Conference honors as a return specialist last season.

Also in 2023, he recorded 47 total tackles and 4 assists. He left a lasting impression at North Dakota State, finishing third in career punt return yards and return yards. Price also served as one of the team’s captains in 2023.

With the Falcons, Price could have the opportunity to showcase his skills both on defense and on special teams.

Atlanta is trying to replace cornerbacks Jeff Okudah and Tre Flowers this offseason. Clark Phillips appears to have the inside track to start against cornerback AJ Terrell. But Price could compete for a deep defensive role.

The Falcons also have Dee Alford, Mike Hughes, Antonio Hamilton, Natrone Brooks, Anthony Sao, Anthony Johnson, Kevin King and Trey Vaval as cornerbacks on the 90-man roster.

There could also be a chance for Price to play on Atlanta’s special teams. Avery Williams is expected to be the team’s returning punter, but he is returning from an ACL injury that knocked him out for the entire 2023 season.

Williams will likely be fine, but it’s not yet 100% clear whether he will return to being as effective at returning punts as he was before the injury.

The Falcons also signed returner Ray-Ray McCloud this offseason.

With the rule changes surrounding kickoffs this season, there will be plenty of opportunities for several returning players to earn a spot on special teams.

In addition to the price, the Falcons have signed Minnesota State-Mankato’s Trey Vaval and MidAmerica Nazarene’s Anthony Sao as undrafted cornerbacks this offseason.

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