Could an NCAA Division II sleeper and undrafted rookie quarterback become the answer for the Atlanta Falcons?
After a strong preseason performance in a 34-6 blowout of the Indianapolis Colts, the buzz is growing around Jack Strand, who is suddenly putting pressure on third-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and veteran Tua Tagovailoa. At the very least, new Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski isn't closing the door on the rookie.
Strand strengthened his case with an impressive performance in Atlanta's second preseason game. Showing off both his arm talent and mobility, the former Minnesota State University Moorhead star led the Falcons with 212 passing yards and a touchdown while adding another score on the ground.
In the process, Strand showcased the talent that had NFL Mocks' John Blair buzzing about him as a sleeper prior to the 2026 NFL Draft.
Jack Strand is showing why NFL Mocks was high on him
In highlighting Strand's mid-range passing ability and mobility, Blair's pre-draft assessment of the Falcons rookie is already playing out at the NFL level.
Back in December, Blair wrote:
"Strand, listed at 6-foot-5 and 240 pounds, combines prototypical quarterback size with the mobility to escape pressure when plays break down. He possesses a solid arm and a quick release, showing the ability to make all the necessary throws from the pocket. Strand also displays excellent touch on his mid-range passes, allowing his receivers to make plays after the catch, a trait that has made him one of the most efficient quarterbacks in Division II football."
With the talent Atlanta has offensively, a quarterback with Strand's tools is set up for success, especially with his ability to get the ball into the hands of his playmakers. He has shown that ability while taking first-team snaps during training camp and carried it over to preseason action.
The same could be said for Tagovailoa and a healthy Penix. But here we are entering the Falcons' third preseason game, and neither veteran has completely secured the starting job. In Penix's case, much of that has to do with his recovery from a torn ACL.
Either way, Atlanta's quarterback storyline has taken an unexpected turn. Strand's rise is another example of how quickly a rookie quarterback can change the conversation during the preseason. An undrafted free agent out of a Division II program most Falcons fans had probably never heard of is suddenly making two quarterbacks selected in the top 10 of their respective NFL drafts look over their shoulders..
Kevin Stefanski isn't slowing down the Jack Strand hype
If Strand really doesn't have a chance to start in Week 1, Stefanski is at least sending a message to his veteran quarterbacks that nothing should be taken for granted.
"Yeah, I think with all of our guys, everyone prepares to be the starter," Stefanski said. "Now, having said that, obviously we work with our young guys and we want to make sure that we put all of them, Jack included, through a process and make sure that they are getting the proper things down when it comes to understanding systems, understanding defense or what have you so he's doing everything we're asking him to do, but we're not going to put those types of things out there for our guys to worry about. He's got to keep his focus on the day to day."
Stefanski isn't declaring Strand a legitimate threat to win the job, but he isn't dismissing what the rookie has accomplished, either.
As Falcons fans know well, a team can never have enough quarterbacks. At the very least, Strand gives Atlanta another option down the road if Penix continues to have durability concerns or Tagovailoa continues to struggle and battles his own injury issues.
Could Jack Strand actually become the Falcons' QB2?
Strand outright winning the starting job remains unlikely. Unlike rookies drafted with expectations of competing early, Strand entered the NFL simply trying to earn a roster spot. Now, the more interesting question entering the final preseason game is whether the undrafted rookie has done enough to become Penix's primary backup.
If he has, Strand's preseason rise becomes much more than a fun August storyline.
It would put the undrafted rookie one play away from taking over an offense loaded with playmakers if Penix suffers another setback or struggles once the regular season begins.
For a quarterback who entered the NFL as an overlooked Division II prospect, that's quite a leap.
And based on what Strand has shown so far, he may not be finished climbing.
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