Rookie Malcolm DeWalt IV Secured Falcons Roster Spot
The undrafted cornerback earned his place on the Atlanta Falcons roster after outperforming veteran players.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Football
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Undrafted rookie Malcolm DeWalt IV officially secured a spot on the Atlanta Falcons roster on August 30, 2026. The 24-year-old cornerback earned the position by outperforming eight players with more NFL experience during training camp.
Why it matters
Securing a roster spot as an undrafted rookie is a significant achievement that underscores the competitive nature of professional training camps. It highlights the success of the Falcons in identifying talent that can contribute immediately over more experienced options.
The 24-year-old rookie stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 190 pounds. He successfully outperformed eight players with more extensive NFL experience during the team's training camp.
The players
Malcolm DeWalt IV
He is an undrafted rookie cornerback who previously played at Butte College and Akron before joining the NFL.
Ian Cunningham
He serves as the general manager of the Atlanta Falcons and is responsible for personnel decisions.
Atlanta Falcons
They are a professional American football team that competes in the National Football League.
Miami Dolphins
They are a professional American football team based in the Miami metropolitan area.
The details
DeWalt, who previously played at Butte College and Akron, demonstrated his ability during preseason play, including a matchup against the Miami Dolphins. He received notification of his promotion to the team via a call from Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham.
Timeline
August 28, 2026: DeWalt played against the Miami Dolphins.
August 30, 2026: DeWalt learned he made the Falcons roster via phone at 5:30 p.m.
Season Trajectory
DeWalt's addition bolsters the Falcons' depth in the secondary as they refine their roster heading into the regular season. This move signals a willingness by the front office to prioritize current camp performance over veteran tenure to improve competitive balance.
DeWalt will likely provide immediate depth at the cornerback position, impacting the team's defensive rotation. His inclusion effectively displaces eight veteran candidates who were fighting for the same roster spot.
The takeaway
This roster move highlights the value of high-performing rookies in maintaining a competitive edge throughout an NFL season. Readers should note how intense competition during preseason games can rapidly shift the composition of a team.
Further reading
For more updates on the team, visit the Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
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