To say the Atlanta Falcons aren't exactly in the best spot at the wide receiver position would be an understatement. For as elite as Drake London is and for as many highlight plays rookie Zachariah Branch has created in training camp, there's an open competition at the bottom of the depth chart.
However, one wideout is starting to pull away in that competition: Antwane Wells Jr. When the Falcons signed the UFL standout just days after releasing Casey Washington, the belief was that he would be a camp body in this receiver battle, but instead has started to turn heads in training camp.
Wells has been living up to his nickname, he's been bringing the juice to this Atlanta offense. Across the last couple of days, he's been making plays-- and he's especially developed a strong rapport with Michael Penix Jr., whom he's connected with on several downfield shots in some recent practices.
Juice Wells Jr. is playing himself right onto the Falcons' Week 1 roster
The 2025 undrafted free agent out of Ole Miss spent last summer with the New York Giants--and was a victim of final roster cuts. Even his pre-existing relationship with Jaxson Dart couldn't save him, but after a strong stint with the Columbus Aviators, he placed himself right back on the NFL radar.
During Monday's practice, the 25-year-old had one of his strongest moments. A 7-on-7 session to end the session saw him connect with Penix on a beautiful deep pass down the left sideline--where the young QB placed the ball right past Clark Phillips III in a spot where only Wells could haul it in.
The 25-year-old had another strong highlight play on Wednesday and it once again came with Penix quarterbacking. During a 1-on-1 against Cobee Bryant, Juice whipped out a beautiful double move that left Bryant in the dust and he and Penix connected for a long touchdown down the left sideline.
His speed made Bryant look foolish on that rep, as his explosiveness certainly has him pulling away from Dylan Drummond, Chris Blair, and the undrafted rookies in the WR battle. And considering he'll also offer the Dirty Birds some special teams value, Wells quietly has real merit to make the roster.
This isn't an instance of him having a couple of catches in camp either. The more big plays Antwane Wells Jr. makes, the better his chances get of making the Falcons' Week 1 roster. As long as he keeps shining as a deep threat for the rest of the summer, Juice will be in the driver's seat to stick around in Atlanta come the Aug. 30 roster cut deadline.
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