Jack Strand NFL Draft story

Jack Strand is one of the more intriguing quarterback stories surrounding the Atlanta Falcons in 2026. Unlike many rookie quarterbacks, Strand did not hear his name called during the 2026 NFL Draft. Instead, he entered the league as an undrafted free agent, signing with the Falcons after the seven-round draft concluded.
His path is particularly notable because Strand played his college football at Minnesota State-Moorhead, an NCAA Division II program. There, he developed into one of the most productive passers in Division II history.
By the end of his college career, Strand had established himself as a record-setting quarterback. That production helped earn him an opportunity with Atlanta and gave him a chance to compete for an NFL roster spot.
Was Jack Strand drafted?
No. Jack Strand was not selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Falcons signed him as an undrafted free agent in May 2026. Atlanta’s official announcement listed Strand among 14 undrafted rookies brought into the organization following the draft.
The fact that Strand went undrafted does not mean he lacked college production. His Division II background meant he entered the NFL with less exposure than quarterbacks from major FBS programs, but his statistical résumé was impressive.
Strand’s opportunity with Atlanta gives him a chance to prove that his college success can translate to the professional level.
Jack Strand and the Atlanta Falcons
Strand joined the Atlanta Falcons as a rookie quarterback wearing No. 18. The Falcons list him as a quarterback from Minnesota State-Moorhead.
His opportunity became especially interesting during training camp. With other quarterbacks dealing with limited availability, Strand received increased first-team repetitions and suddenly found himself taking snaps with the top offense.
Reports from Falcons camp highlighted how quickly his role changed. He went from an undrafted rookie trying to establish himself to receiving significant opportunities in team periods.
That does not automatically mean Strand has won a starting job. However, it demonstrates why undrafted players can quickly become important during an NFL offseason.
Jack Strand college
Strand played college football at Minnesota State University Moorhead, commonly known as Minnesota State-Moorhead or MSUM.
He played four seasons from 2022 through 2025 and appeared in 42 games. According to the Falcons, he completed 1,247 of 1,953 passes for 13,161 yards and 126 touchdowns during his college career.
Those numbers placed Strand among the most productive passers in Division II history.
His college career also included several major individual honors. He was named NSIC Offensive Player of the Year in both 2023 and 2025 and earned first-team All-NSIC recognition multiple times.
Jack Strand college stats
Strand’s production increased dramatically after becoming Minnesota State-Moorhead’s starting quarterback.
2022
As a freshman, Strand took over the starting role during the season. He finished with roughly 2,274 passing yards, 16 touchdowns and 13 interceptions, completing 64.6% of his attempts according to Football Database.
2023
Strand took another major step forward in 2023.
He completed 370 of 550 passes for 3,914 yards and 36 touchdowns. His 2023 campaign established multiple Minnesota State-Moorhead single-season records.
He was also named the NSIC Offensive Player of the Year.
2024
Strand continued to produce at a high level in 2024.
He recorded 3,421 passing yards and 32 touchdowns, while completing approximately 61% of his throws. He also continued to add to the school’s career passing records.
2025
His senior season was arguably the strongest of his college career.
Strand threw for 3,546 yards and 42 touchdowns, while leading the NSIC in passing and total offense. The Falcons also note that he established a Minnesota State-Moorhead single-season record with 42 passing touchdowns.
He finished his college career with 13,161 passing yards and 126 touchdown passes.
Jack Strand stats and records
Strand’s college résumé is impressive even though he played outside the FBS.
His major career numbers include:
- 42 games
- 1,247 completions
- 1,953 attempts
- 13,161 passing yards
- 126 passing touchdowns
- Approximately 64% completion rate
- Top-10 all-time in Division II passing yardage
The Falcons say Strand finished 10th all-time in NCAA Division II history in passing yardage.
His 2025 season also earned him NSIC Offensive Player of the Year honors and helped establish him as one of the country’s most productive Division II quarterbacks.
Why did Jack Strand go undrafted?
Strand’s lack of selection in the NFL Draft is an important part of his story.
The NFL Draft evaluates players based on more than college statistics. Competition level, physical traits, athletic testing, scheme fit, age, experience and projected development all influence draft decisions.
Strand’s Division II background likely meant NFL scouts had fewer opportunities to evaluate him against top FBS competition. Still, his production was strong enough to earn him a professional opportunity immediately after the draft.
That makes his Falcons journey one worth watching.
Jack Strand’s size and quarterback profile
Strand has the physical frame teams look for at quarterback. The Falcons list him at 6-foot-5 and 240 pounds on his player profile.
His size, arm talent and college production helped him attract NFL interest despite entering the league as an undrafted player.
More importantly, his four years of starting experience gave him a substantial amount of game experience before arriving in Atlanta.
Jack Strand’s rise with the Falcons
The most interesting development surrounding Strand has been his unexpected exposure to the Falcons’ first-team offense.
During training camp, quarterback availability created an opportunity for the rookie. Reports indicated that Strand was taking first-team repetitions while other quarterbacks were limited.
For an undrafted rookie, those reps can be extremely valuable.
They allow coaches to evaluate how quickly he processes information, handles NFL defensive looks, operates the offense and responds to pressure.
Strand has also emphasized staying focused on the individual opportunity rather than worrying about his future roster status.
Is Jack Strand on the Falcons?
Yes. Jack Strand is a quarterback with the Atlanta Falcons.
He signed with Atlanta as an undrafted free agent after the 2026 NFL Draft.
However, being on the offseason roster is different from securing a permanent place on the regular-season roster. Strand must continue competing throughout training camp and the preseason.
His performance during those opportunities could determine whether he remains with Atlanta.
What makes Jack Strand interesting?
Several factors make Strand a player to monitor.
First, he is coming off an extraordinary Division II career. His 13,161 passing yards and 126 touchdowns demonstrate consistent production over four seasons.
Second, he has already received unexpected opportunities in Atlanta’s offense.
Third, his story illustrates how the NFL can provide opportunities beyond the draft. Players who go undrafted can still make an impact if they perform when their chance arrives.
Jack Strand NFL future
Strand’s immediate goal is straightforward: continue developing and make the Falcons’ roster.
His college statistics provide an excellent foundation, but the NFL presents a significant jump in competition. He will need to demonstrate that his accuracy, decision-making, arm strength and ability to operate an NFL offense can translate to the professional level.
The Falcons’ coaching staff will ultimately determine how far he progresses.
For now, Strand has already accomplished something significant: an undrafted quarterback from a Division II program earned an NFL opportunity and then received meaningful first-team reps during training camp.
Final thoughts
Jack Strand’s NFL Draft story is one of opportunity rather than disappointment. He went undrafted in 2026, but the Atlanta Falcons quickly brought him into their rookie class.
At Minnesota State-Moorhead, Strand built a remarkable résumé, throwing for 13,161 yards and 126 touchdowns in 42 games. He also won multiple NSIC honors and finished among Division II’s all-time passing leaders.
Now, the challenge is translating that production to the NFL.
His unexpected training-camp opportunities have already made him a player worth following in Atlanta. Whether he ultimately earns a long-term roster spot remains to be seen, but Strand has given himself an opportunity to turn an undrafted start into an NFL career.
FAQs
Was Jack Strand drafted in the NFL?
No. Jack Strand went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft and signed with the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent.
What college did Jack Strand attend?
Jack Strand played college football at Minnesota State-Moorhead from 2022 through 2025.
What are Jack Strand’s college stats?
In 42 college games, Strand completed 1,247 of 1,953 passes for 13,161 yards and 126 touchdowns.
What team does Jack Strand play for?
Jack Strand is a quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons.
What position does Jack Strand play?
Strand plays quarterback.
How tall is Jack Strand?
The Falcons list Strand at 6-foot-5 and 240 pounds.
Why is Jack Strand getting attention?
Strand has attracted attention because of his outstanding Division II production and his unexpected first-team opportunities with the Falcons during training camp.
Leave a Reply