Falcons’ sleeper Notre Dame UDFA projected to make 53-man roster | Sporting News

The Atlanta Falcons’ training camp has been a crucible of competition, but amidst the veteran battles and high-profile rookie introductions, a surprising name has consistently risen to the forefront: Caleb Thorne, an undrafted free agent safety out of Notre Dame. What began as a long-shot bid to simply make it through rookie mini-camp has now blossomed into a legitimate projection that Thorne will secure a coveted spot on Atlanta’s initial 53-man roster.

Thorne’s collegiate career at Notre Dame was marked by consistency and a high football IQ, though perhaps not the explosive athleticism that typically garners early-round draft buzz. He was a reliable tackler and a disciplined coverage player, often operating effectively within the Fighting Irish’s defensive schemes. Despite his steady production, Thorne found himself looking for a professional home after the NFL Draft, signing with the Falcons as an unheralded UDFA. The path for undrafted players is notoriously steep, requiring an almost immediate demonstration of value and an ability to excel in multiple facets of the game, particularly special teams.

From the moment Thorne stepped onto the practice field in Flowery Branch, he began to turn heads. His understanding of defensive concepts was evident, allowing him to quickly adapt to the Falcons’ system. Coaches have praised his relentless motor and his knack for being around the ball, qualities that don’t always show up on a stat sheet but are invaluable in practice. More crucially, Thorne has excelled in special teams drills, consistently showcasing the physicality and awareness required for kick and punt coverage units. In the Falcons’ preseason opener, he delivered a few impactful special teams tackles and demonstrated solid open-field tackling from his safety position, making a strong case for his versatility.

Atlanta’s defensive backfield, while talented, also features some unproven depth and a new defensive coordinator looking to establish a specific identity. Thorne’s emergence provides a reliable, cost-effective option who can contribute immediately on special teams while developing further as a rotational safety. He has outplayed several more established players and UDFAs from larger schools, leveraging his fundamental soundness and tireless work ethic. His journey from an overlooked prospect to a potential roster lock is a testament to the belief that hard work and opportunity can converge in the NFL.