Atlanta Falcons add to WR room, sign ex-Bowling Green standout after tryout

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons’ roster-building process takes place all year long, according to general manager Terry Fontenot, and Atlanta continued to expand its receiver room Wednesday.

The Falcons have signed rookie wideout Odieu Hiliare to a standard three-year UDFA contract with no signing bonus, his agency, Muck Sports, confirmed to SI’s AllFalcons.

After participating in Atlanta’s rookie minicamp from May 10-12, Hiliare received an additional tryout on Tuesday, which he used to sign.

Hiliare, who is 6-0 and 185 pounds, was one of five team captains at Bowling Green State in 2023 and was just as strong on the field, hauling in 45 receptions for 532 yards and four scores along the way. to the All-MAC third team. honors.

His best game of the season was his last, as he had 10 catches for 152 yards and a touchdown against Minnesota in the Quick Lane Bowl.

Hiliare, a native of Belle Glade, Fla., began his college career at Alabama A&M, where he played for three seasons. In 2021, he made 71 receptions for 918 yards and three touchdowns.

He then transferred to Bowling Green State and had a strong freshman campaign, catching 58 passes for 747 yards and six touchdowns. He was named a second-team All-MAC honoree.

The Falcons added one receiver in the draft — former Illinois standout Casey Washington — and selected several earlier this spring, with Darnell Mooney and Rondale Moore headlined.

Third-year pro Drake London still leads Atlanta’s wideout room, and tight end Kyle Pitts and running back Bijan Robinson should be central figures in the team’s aerial attack.

Yet opportunities exist for Hiliare – and he has already capitalized on those that have come his way.