Vinny Anthony is practically forcing the Falcons to keep him on their roster

Don’t just talk about third-round pick Zachariah Branch around the water cooler as far as rookie wide receivers on the Atlanta Falcons. The AJC's Daniel Flick reported that ex-Wisconsin WR Vinny Anthony II is producing in training camp, tied with Jahan Dotson for second on the team in receptions through 11 practices.

The undrafted free agent is well-coached and prepared, having played in 47 games collegiately. The receiving potential with a better supporting cast translates, as well, leading the Badgers in 2025 and garnering 1200+ yards offensively in his career, setting a standard of 17.2 yards per catch in 2024, the most in nearly 20 years at the school.

Lastly, give Anthony his flowers, he was the first FBS player in 2025 to catch a touchdown, rush for a TD, and return a kickoff for a TD, the first Badger to do so in a single season since 1984.

The Atlanta Falcons found a hidden gem in UDFA WR Vinny Anthony II

So then how did the Falcons get such a discount? No risk and possibly all reward? A player who had such a good showing in the pre-Draft process at the Senior Bowl, the only UW representative? Coming from a Madison, Wisconsin rarity of no players drafted in April? Anthony is an example of short to intermediate speed being his game at 6-foot and 183 pounds.

Those of us in attendance covering the Senior Bowl noted his route-running prowess in one-on-ones, even more so than seen on tape. Now with the Dirty Birdsc, his archetype of receiver, able to move the chains and be in the right place at the right time for his quarterback is a desired need for the team entering the 2026 season.

Formerly prevalent in his overall team value as a gunner, Anthony is giving himself as good a chance as possible to make the 53-man roster as a Z before Week 1 vs. the Steelers. Can the stop-start on his breaking routes and releases from the line of scrimmage continue to stand out amongst the contending men in the room?

10 different receivers received snaps for the Falcons in 2025, including predominant special teams contributors such as Jamal Agnew and KhaDarel Hodge (no longer with the team). Of those ten, only three remain with the team currently (Drake London, Dylan Drummond, and Chris Blair).

Outside of the obvious of Drake London as the team’s WR1, Anthony has outperformed Drummond and Blair, who combined for seven catches and 42 yards in action last season (all Drummond). And this didn't even account for his performance in the preseason opener against the Denver Broncos, as he returned three kicks for 90 yards and caught one of his three targets for five yards.

As long as Vinny Anthony keeps turning heads in training camp and making an impact on special teams in the preseason, he'll give the Falcons merit to keep him on the roster.

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