Falcons undrafted free agent profile: TE Jack Velling

The Atlanta Falcons have already made changes to their initial undrafted free agent class, releasing tight end Brandon Frazier and signing linebacker Daveren Rayner one day after the team's rookie minicamp. This is not unusual, though, especially for a team that signed over a dozen undrafted free agents and brought in two dozen players for tryouts. Frazier's tenure in Atlanta didn't last long, but the Falcons still have one other rookie tight end on the roster.

In today's undrafted free agent spotlight, we look at former Michigan State tight end Jack Velling to see what he can bring to the Falcons in 2026. Falcons UDFA profile: TE Jack Velling 2025 stats: 36 catches, 359 yards, 3 TD The Falcons placed their franchise tag on Kyle Pitts, but they don't have a long-term replacement if he departs following the 2026 season. While former Michigan State Spartans tight end Jack Velling is a far cry from Pitts in terms of playmaking ability, he has some potential upside as a pass-catcher/red-zone specialist.

Velling began his career at Oregon State, where he posted a career-best 438 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in 2023. Despite a promising two-year stretch in which he recorded 45 catches for 719 receiving yards (16 yards per reception) and 11 touchdowns, Velling transferred to Michigan State in 2024. During his two seasons in East Lansing, Velling saw an increase in catches (72 total), but his yardage stayed about the same (770 total receiving yards).

At 6-foot-5, 245 pounds, the former Spartans tight end has enough size to play at the NFL level but must improve his blocking ability. In terms of speed, Velling isn't a burner by any means, but he moves well enough and can be an effective red-zone target for whoever starts at quarterback in Atlanta. "Velling's natural hands and route-running polish give him an immediate advantage in passing situations, yet the blocking deficiencies that plagued him in college won't disappear overnight against stronger, more technical NFL defenders," NFL Draft Scout wrote in Velling's pre-draft scouting report .