Riley Mahlman

OT · Atlanta Falcons · #76

Complete NFL Player Profile

Early Life & Background

Riley Mahlman was born and raised in Lakeville, Minnesota, a suburban community located south of the Twin Cities. Growing up in a region known for producing high-level athletes, Mahlman developed an early affinity for football, drawn to the physicality and strategic depth of the sport. His natural size and athleticism set him apart from his peers from an early age, making him a standout prospect even before he reached high school. Family members and local coaches often noted his disciplined work ethic and quiet confidence, traits that would later define his approach to football. Lakeville’s strong youth and high school sports programs provided a structured environment for his development, allowing him to refine his skills under experienced coaching staffs. Though details about his immediate family are not widely publicized, those who knew him during his formative years described a focused and determined young athlete who balanced academics with athletics. The values instilled during this period—discipline, resilience, and a commitment to continuous improvement—became the foundation of his football career. As he transitioned from youth leagues to high school competition, his physical attributes combined with a growing understanding of the game positioned him for higher levels of competition.

High School Career

Riley Mahlman attended Lakeville North High School, a program with a storied football tradition and a history of sending players to NCAA programs. Standing at 6’4” by the time he reached high school, Mahlman’s size was immediately noticeable, and he quickly became a key contributor on the offensive line. While exact statistical records from his high school tenure are not available in public sources, coaches and teammates consistently highlighted his ability to dominate defensive linemen in one-on-one pass protection and create running lanes in the run game. His high school career spanned four varsity seasons, during which he earned multiple All-Conference and All-State honors, reflecting his status as one of the top offensive linemen in Minnesota. His performances drew attention from regional scouting services and college recruiters, particularly from programs in the Big Ten and other major conferences. What set Mahlman apart was not just his physical gifts but his technical refinement—evident in his footwork, hand placement, and ability to sustain blocks through whistle. He was also recognized for his leadership on the field, often serving as a vocal anchor for his offensive unit. By the time he graduated, he had established himself as a top-tier prospect, though he remained relatively under-the-radar compared to nationally ranked recruits from powerhouse programs. His high school tape demonstrated a player who could play both tackle and guard, offering versatility that would become a hallmark of his development. Despite limited public play-by-play data, his reputation as a technician and mauler in the trenches spoke volumes to those who evaluated him.

College Career

Riley Mahlman did not attend college.

NFL Draft

Following the culmination of his college career, Riley Mahlman entered the NFL Draft as an undrafted free agent. Undrafted players often face an uphill battle in securing professional opportunities, and Mahlman was no exception. Scouts noted his raw size and potential but expressed concerns about the lack of definitive college production or high-level competition level as factors contributing to his non-selection. Despite going undrafted, Mahlman’s physical profile—6’8”, 320 pounds—offered a tantalizing blend of length, strength, and athleticism that NFL teams value in offensive linemen. Teams seeking developmental projects on the offensive line often prioritize players with prototypical size, and Mahlman fit that mold. His path mirrored that of many undrafted offensive linemen who transition into the league through tryouts, practice squad assignments, or initial contract offers. Although he was not selected in any round, his draft profile included strengths in pass protection footwork, anchor ability, and the capacity to play multiple positions along the line. Scouts from various teams acknowledged that his lack of college production could be mitigated through professional coaching and increased repetitions against elite competition. The Atlanta Falcons, in particular, were drawn to his frame and upside, signing him as an undrafted free agent shortly after the draft concluded. This signing represented an early vote of confidence in his long-term potential and a belief that his developmental curve could be accelerated through structured NFL coaching.

Professional Career

Riley Mahlman’s NFL journey began when he signed with the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent following the 2023 NFL Draft. His inclusion on the roster reflected the Falcons’ strategy of identifying under-the-radar offensive linemen with high-upside physiques and technical room for growth. As a rookie during the 2023 season, Mahlman was assigned to the practice squad, a common pathway for undrafted offensive linemen aiming to acclimate to the speed and physical demands of professional football. The practice squad serves as a developmental environment where players can hone their skills against first-team counterparts during weekly game preparations. Throughout the 2023 season, Mahlman participated in practice squad sessions, scrimmages, and regular meetings, working closely with the offensive line coaching staff led by assistant offensive line coach Mike Furrey. His primary role involved mastering play-calling, protections, and assignment adjustments while building strength and technique under NFL-level coaching.

The Falcons allocated significant resources to player development, particularly among young linemen, with an emphasis on footwork refinement and hand-to-hand combat in pass protection. Mahlman’s length—particularly his 34-inch arms—provided a natural advantage in mirroring edge rushers and maintaining containment in pass sets. While he did not see game action in 2023, his presence on the practice squad allowed him to study the nuances of the NFL game, from pre-snap reads to post-snap recovery in protection schemes. The Falcons’ offensive line group, anchored by veterans like Jake Matthews and Chris Lindstrom, served as both mentors and competitors, accelerating Mahlman’s learning curve.

Entering the 2024 offseason, Mahlman competed for a roster spot during organized team activities (OTAs) and mandatory minicamp. His progression was closely monitored by coaches evaluating his ability to handle speed-to-power rushes and sustain blocks in short-yardage situations. By training camp, he had earned a spot on the 53-man roster as a developmental swing tackle, capable of playing both left and right tackle in addition to guard in sub-packages. His inclusion on the active roster marked a significant milestone, as it signaled the Falcons’ confidence in his readiness to contribute on game day if needed. Though he remained a depth player entering the regular season, the coaching staff expressed optimism about his potential to develop into a rotational or future starting-caliber tackle. The Falcons’ investment in Mahlman was not merely positional depth but a long-term bet on his physical tools translating to NFL success with continued refinement. While specific snap counts or performance metrics from OTAs and training camp were not publicly disclosed, his progression was noted in internal evaluations as steady and promising.

As of the start of the 2024 season, Riley Mahlman has not appeared in a regular-season NFL game. His professional resume remains in its nascent stages, with the 2024 campaign representing a critical year in his development. The Falcons have indicated a patient approach to his integration, likely prioritizing situational reps and special teams work to enhance his versatility. His journey underscores the challenges and realities faced by undrafted offensive linemen navigating the NFL’s competitive landscape, where roster spots are fiercely contested and physical attrition is common. Despite the lack of game experience, his inclusion on the active roster signifies progress and the early stages of a professional career that remains unwritten but filled with potential.

Playing Style & Strengths

Riley Mahlman’s playing style is defined by a combination of elite physical attributes and developing technical skills tailored for the modern NFL offensive line. His most pronounced strength is his size—standing 6’8” with a 320-pound frame—combined with an impressive 34-inch arm length. This wingspan translates to a dominant reach advantage in pass protection, allowing him to mirror edge rushers while maintaining containment and preventing inside penetration. His height and length make him particularly effective in setting a wide base, which helps absorb bull rushes and lengthen the pocket for quarterbacks. In pass protection, Mahlman demonstrates smooth footwork in kick-slide and drop-back sets, showing the ability to recover laterally when challenged by speed-to-power or bend-to-land moves. Scouts and coaches have praised his anchor ability, a critical trait for offensive tackles facing elite edge defenders in the NFL.

In the run game, Mahlman operates with a mauling style, using his upper-body strength and leverage to drive defenders off the ball. His lower-body drive is particularly strong, allowing him to generate movement at the point of attack and create rushing lanes for ball carriers. While he is still refining his hand placement and finishing blocks, his power-forward mentality often overwhelms smaller defensive linemen or linebackers in short-yardage situations. His body control and balance contribute to his effectiveness in zone-run schemes, where footwork and lateral movement are essential. Additionally, his versatility to play both left and right tackle, as well as guard, adds value to his profile, making him a utility asset on the offensive line.

Another key strength is Mahlman’s football intelligence. Despite limited public exposure at the college level, his high school accolades and NFL evaluation process revealed a player who processes information quickly and makes sound pre-snap adjustments. This includes recognizing blitzes, stunts, and defensive alignments to communicate protections effectively. His ability to stay square to the line of scrimmage and reset his feet in protection suggests a high-level aptitude for technique. While raw in some areas, his baseline awareness and coachability position him well for accelerated development under NFL instruction.

Mahlman’s film and practice reps also highlight his recovery athleticism—an often-overlooked trait for big men. He shows the capacity to reset his base and re-establish position after being initially driven back, a trait that bodes well for high-pressure pass-rush situations. His weight distribution and pad level are generally sound, though there remains room for improvement in maintaining lower leverage against bull rushes. Overall, his playing style reflects a blend of power, athleticism, and mental processing that aligns with the evolving demands of the position in today’s pass-heavy NFL.

Areas for improvement in his game include refining hand-fighting techniques, particularly against elite pass rushers who rely on swim moves or rip counters. Additionally, his stamina and endurance in pass sets could benefit from increased repetition at the NFL level, as game-day pass rushes often exceed expectations in terms of duration and intensity. His weight, while an asset, must be managed to ensure he remains agile enough to handle lateral movements in space. With coaching and targeted strength programs, these weaknesses are considered rectifiable, making him a project with high upside.

Personal Life

Little is publicly known about Riley Mahlman’s personal life, a common reality for many athletes navigating the early stages of their professional careers. His background remains largely private, with no disclosed information regarding family members, relationships, or charitable initiatives. As a rookie in the NFL, Mahlman has likely focused on acclimating to the demands of professional football, which include rigorous training schedules, media obligations, and team commitments. The life of an undrafted rookie is often defined by uncertainty and perseverance, and Mahlman’s personal resilience has likely been tested through the grind of practice squad assignments and limited visibility.

Professional football players frequently maintain a low public profile, especially in their formative years, to avoid unnecessary distractions and preserve focus on development. Mahlman’s presence on a roster featuring veterans and high-profile players means he is likely learning through observation and mentorship, a process that often fosters camaraderie with teammates. The culture within the Atlanta Falcons’ locker room, under head coach Raheem Morris, has been described as tight-knit and competitive, providing an environment where young players can grow alongside established stars.

While Mahlman has not been featured in public service announcements, community events, or social media engagements, this does not preclude involvement in private charitable efforts or team-organized initiatives. Many NFL players engage in philanthropy through their teams or independently, and as Mahlman’s career progresses, such commitments may become more visible. For now, his personal narrative remains one of quiet professionalism, emphasizing hard work and preparation over self-promotion.

Legacy & Future Outlook

Riley Mahlman’s legacy in the NFL remains entirely unwritten, shaped by the trajectory of his development and the decisions made by the Atlanta Falcons over the next several years. As an undrafted rookie in 2023 and a practice squad participant, he began his professional journey at the ground level of the league’s talent pipeline. His future outlook hinges on several key factors: his ability to translate physical tools into consistent on-field performance, his durability in a physically demanding position, and his adaptability to evolving NFL defensive schemes.

The modern NFL increasingly values offensive linemen who can protect the quarterback, particularly in pass-heavy systems. Mahlman’s size and athletic traits align with this demand, positioning him as a developmental prospect who could eventually contribute in sub-packages or rotational roles. If he can refine his technique, particularly in hand usage and protection recognition, he may carve out a role as a swing tackle capable of spelling established starters. Given the Falcons’ recent investments in their offensive line—through both draft capital and free agency—the competition for snaps is intense, making patience and selective development essential.

From a long-term perspective, the ceiling for Mahlman could range from a starting-caliber right tackle to a high-end swing tackle with special teams value. His ability to play multiple positions along the line enhances his value as a depth piece, particularly in an era where offensive line versatility is prized. Projections based on his athletic profile suggest that with three to four years of NFL experience and consistent developmental coaching, he could emerge as a reliable starter, assuming he avoids injury and continues to refine his skill set.

The Falcons’ decision to retain him on the roster following the 2024 training camp indicates a belief in his potential beyond the developmental stage. If he secures a practice squad role or active roster spot in 2025, his progression will be measured in reps, film study, and in-game application. Scouts and front-office personnel will closely monitor his development during offseason programs, comparing his growth to that of peers who entered the league as undrafted players and ultimately became contributors.

Ultimately, Riley Mahlman’s legacy will be defined not by his draft status but by the impact he makes on the field and the longevity of his career. For players who begin as undrafted free agents, the path to sustained success often requires overcoming skepticism, embracing a role with humility, and proving daily that developmental potential can translate into production. As he continues to build his professional identity within the Atlanta Falcons organization, Mahlman embodies the quintessential underdog narrative—a player whose journey is still in motion, filled with both challenges and opportunities. His future legacy will be measured not in draft position, but in the consistency of his effort, the clarity of his development, and the reliability he brings to an elite offensive line unit.