While the Atlanta Falcons didn’t hold much draft capital in the 2025 NFL Draft (just five selections), they were able to supplement that volume afterward by signing a long list of impressive undrafted free agents. Whether it was during or after the draft, the initiative remained the same, improving the defensive side of the football at all costs. The offense has several young foundation pieces, and the defense has been trying to catch up this offseason.
While making a team as an undrafted free agent isn’t easy, it also is far from impossible. You can bet that multiple players who weren’t selected will end up making the opening day roster for Atlanta. One of the more interesting players to sign after the draft was former Iowa State safety Malik Verdon, a talented defender who brings some unique versatility.
At 6-4 and 218 pounds, Verdon is one of these new modern bigger safeties that did a lot of different things during his time with the Cyclones program. That included playing from depth both as a single and two high player, rotating down into the box, in the slot, and from several different coverage variations. The thing that really pops out most are him are his easy movement skills for a player that size. When he sees things properly, Verdon looks like he’s shot out of a cannon coming down hill.
On the next level, it’s unlikely that Verdon is utilized much in deep zone coverage. He’s a good athelete at that size, but deep range is not necessarily the name of his game. If he remains at safety, Verdon could be used more in short zones, as well as in man coverage against tight ends and bigger slot receivers at times.
The natural question is going to be whether Verdon should get a look on the second level at linebacker eventually. While some find that conversation disrespectful at times, Verdon’s game is pretty reminiscent of New York Jets defender Jamien Sherwood when he was coming out of Auburn. That transition isn’t out of the realm of possibility in the future.
Luckily for Verdon, the Falcons have a big need at linebacker, as well as also needing depth at safety as well. Outside of Jesse Bates III on the back end, no safety role is solidified currently. Linebacker is even more cloudy with Troy Anderson and Kaden Elliss slated to start. Opportunity is certainly out there.
The biggest positive for Verdon is that length and overall movement skills is also wanted on special teams. That could ultimately be his ticket to making a roster in 2025, and buy him some time to continue to develop.
If Verdon does find a spot on the roster, it also brings some interesting possibilities for a role in sub package. If utilized properly, and Verdon is able to stay healthy (which has been a struggle for him at times), the Falcons could be getting a huge bargain.
