[2] Rated a three-star recruit, Malone committed to play college football at Western Kentucky over an offer from Buffalo.

[3] Malone became a starter for the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers during his freshman year and recorded 25 tackles, 1.5 sacks and five quarterback hurries.

[5] Malone considered entering the 2020 NFL draft, but ultimately decided to return for his senior year.

[6] Malone entered senior season on the Chuck Bednarik Award and Bronko Nagurski Trophy watchlists and was named the preseason C-USA Defensive Player of the Year and as one of the top five outside linebacker prospects for the 2021 NFL draft according to ESPN.

[13] The Falcons previously obtained the pick in the trade that sent Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts.