Two former Falcons, Jahan Dotson ’18 and John Metchie ’19 will be looking to make an impact in the NFL next season.

The Washington Commanders secured Jahan Dotson ’18, the Penn State wide receiver, with the No. 16 pick overall in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft. He is the first pick of the Commanders' era. Named All-Mid-Atlantic Prep League First Team offensive utility player in 2016, Dotson had multiple roles as an adept return specialist, wide receiver, defensive back and quarterback. He holds the Falcons' single-game record for receiving yards, a 224-yard performance on seven receptions against Seton Hall Prep.

2020 was his breakout campaign for the Nittany Lions, as he caught 52 passes for 884 yards and eight touchdowns in just nine games. This past year, he caught 91 passes for 1,182 yards and 12 touchdowns and set the program record with 242 receiving yards at Maryland.

John Metchie III ’19, former Alabama wide receiver, was selected in the second round at No. 44 overall by the Houston Texans. In eight games for the Falcons, Metchie amassed 36 catches, 731 yards and 13 scores, including five rushing touchdowns. During his time at Alabama, Metchie had 2081 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. Metchie was instrumental in the Tide’s 2020-2021 national title run and is also a two-time recipient of the John Cornish Trophy, which is awarded to the top Canadian in college football.

Hakeem Valles ’11 and Brian McConnell ’69 are the only other Falcons to play in the NFL. Valles signed with the Arizona Cardinals in 2016 and then joined the Lions for 2017 and a portion of 2018. McConnell played for the Buffalo Bills.