Emerging as a promising talent in the competitive landscape of the National Football League, Dubuque Senior High School alumnus Nick Kubitz has swiftly made his mark at the Atlanta Falcons’ training camp, securing the No. 4 spot at left inside linebacker on the team’s initial depth chart. This early positioning is a significant achievement for the undrafted free agent, hinting at his potential impact in the upcoming season and beyond.
Kubitz brings a robust championship pedigree from his collegiate career at North Dakota State, where he was a pivotal force in the Bison’s dominant Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) dynasty. During his six seasons in Fargo, the team advanced to four national championship games, capturing three titles in 2019, 2021, and most recently in January, defeating Montana State 35-32 in a thrilling final.
Despite his impressive collegiate success, the 6-foot-3, 229-pound linebacker went undrafted in late April. However, the Atlanta Falcons, with only five picks in the seven-round draft, proactively pursued undrafted free agency, a strategy highlighted by General Manager Terry Fontenot, who emphasized the franchise’s intent to “attack undrafted free agency in the right way.” Kubitz quickly became a prime target, underscoring the team’s commitment to finding hidden gems.
The Falcons’ linebacker depth chart presents a challenging but clear path for Kubitz. The No. 1 spot is currently held by Divine Diablo, a seasoned five-year NFL veteran who joined the Falcons as a free agent from the Las Vegas Raiders. Troy Anderson, now in his fourth season with Atlanta, occupies the No. 2 position despite being on the physically unable to perform list, while six-year veteran Josh Woods, who has played for Chicago, Detroit, Arizona, and Atlanta, sits at No. 3.
Kubitz’s on-field performance at North Dakota State was consistently impactful, culminating in a career-high nine tackles against Montana State in his final college game—a testament to his prowess in crucial moments. His interception in the endzone against Colorado last season further showcased his defensive instincts and playmaking ability, skills he aims to translate to the NFL stage.
Beyond his athletic accomplishments, Kubitz is also an academic standout. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from North Dakota State in 2023. His commitment to excellence extended to the classroom, where he received the Missouri Valley Football Conference’s Academic Excellence Award in 2023 and was named to the MVFC honor roll in 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023, reflecting a well-rounded dedication to both sport and scholarship.
As the NFL training camp progresses, Kubitz will have opportunities to solidify his position during the upcoming preseason. The Atlanta Falcons are set to open their exhibition season on August 8 at home against the Detroit Lions, followed by a home game against the Tennessee Titans on August 15, and concluding with a visit to the Dallas Cowboys on August 22. The regular season kicks off on September 7, with Atlanta hosting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Kubitz’s journey mirrors that of other local talents venturing into professional football. Last spring, fellow Dubuque Senior grad Sam Schnee signed with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent after an impressive career as a wide receiver at the University of Northern Iowa. While Schnee’s preseason run included notable receptions, he was ultimately among the final cuts, highlighting the competitive nature of securing a roster spot in the league.
With his proven championship pedigree and determined approach, Nick Kubitz is poised to make a compelling case for a permanent role with the Atlanta Falcons. His progression on the linebacker depth chart will be a key storyline to follow, as this promising FCS national champion aims to contribute to the team’s defensive efforts.
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