The Atlanta Falcons have signed Nate Carter, an undrafted free agent running back from Michigan State, who displayed impressive physical abilities at his pro day. Carter ran the 40-yard dash in 4.40 seconds, bench pressed 23 reps, and achieved a 40-inch vertical leap, numbers unmatched by any running back at the NFL Combine. Originally from Rochester, New York, Carter played two college seasons at UConn before transferring to Michigan State, where he recorded 798 yards in 2023 and 499 yards in 2024. Despite his talents, making the Falcons' roster will be challenging due to the presence of top running backs Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier. However, if Carter can translate his physical traits into consistent performance, he could become a valuable asset for the team as an undrafted free agent steal.

Nate Carter's pro day numbers were exceptional, with a 4.40-second 40-yard dash, 23 bench press reps, and a 40-inch vertical leap, surpassing all running backs at the NFL Combine.

Carter, hailing from Rochester, New York, showcased his talents at Bishop Kearney High School before playing two seasons at UConn, where he averaged 6.2 yards per carry in a partial 2022 season.

In 2023, Carter accumulated 798 rushing yards for Michigan State, although his performance slightly declined in 2024 with 499 yards and five touchdowns.

The Falcons signed Carter as an undrafted free agent, indicating their interest in his potential despite not drafting him, which speaks to his standout abilities.

Carter faces stiff competition to secure a spot on the Falcons' roster due to the established presence of Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier, making his path to regular playtime more challenging.

His potential impact for the Falcons depends on whether he can leverage his physical prowess into consistent on-field production, which could make him an undrafted free agent steal.

Billy Heyen, a freelance writer with The Sporting News and a 2019 Syracuse University graduate, has reported on Carter's signing, emphasizing the running back's exceptional athletic attributes.

The Atlanta Falcons added one of the most physically gifted running backs in the entire NFL Draft.

They didn't even have to use a draft pick to do it.

After proceedings concluded Saturday, the Falcons signed Michigan State's Nate Carter to an undrafted free agent deal.

Carter put up absolutely freakish numbers at his pro day.

He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.40 seconds. He bench pressed 23 reps. And he vertical leaped 40 inches.

There's no running back who attended the NFL Combine who could match those numbers.

Carter split reps in 2024 with the Spartans, running for 499 yards (4.3 ypc) and five touchdowns.

SN's NFL DRAFT HQ: Live tracker | Pick-by-pick grades | Best players still available

He's originally from Rochester, New York, where he starred at Bishop Kearney High School.

Carter played his first two college seasons at UConn. He averaged 6.2 yards per carry in a partial 2022 season, helping him earn the Big Ten transfer.

Carter put up 798 yards in 2023 before his slightly lesser 2024 season.

It's not a given that he'll make the Falcons' roster. The fact that they still have their two-headed monster at the top of the depth chart in Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier will make Carter's task of making an impact an extra tough one.

But he's got all the traits. And sometimes that's all a team can ask for.

If the Falcons can get Carter to turn those traits into consistent production, he could be an absolute undrafted free agent steal.

MORE NFL DRAFT:

• Shedeur Sanders will start when he's ready and could rescue Browns QB woes
• Raiders' Jack Bech draft pick honors brother Tiger after death
• Geno Smith, Jalen Milroe will be forever linked by NFL Draft
• Meet new Giants RB Cam Skattebo, with giant quads and a fun name
• Jets pick a WR whose one main issue is 'hands'
• Texans' Woody Marks has best Toy Story Halloween nickname origin
• Dolphins make Tua Tagovailoa injury statement with Quinn Ewers pick
• Meet the Patriots' Mr. Irrelevant
• Why Shilo Sanders, Buccaneers make sense together
• Colts' Anthony Richardson watch is on after Riley Leonard draft pick
• Raiders get Tom Brady's new Julian Edelman
• Steelers draft son of franchise legend
• Lions draft pick makes Egyptian NFL history
• Biggest winner of Shedeur Sanders' NFL Draft slide: Aaron Rodgers
• D.J. Uiagalelei might change positions in the NFL
• Jets add intriguing QB as free agent signing after NFL Draft
• Bengals get No. 1 undrafted free agent to sign with them
• Ravens sign RB who ran for 25 TDs in 109 carries
• Did Chiefs just find their Travis Kelce heir?