The Atlanta Falcons will be hoping to improve a pass defense that looked good on paper, allowing the eighth-fewest passing yards in 2023 but the 10th-most touchdown passes and fifth-fewest interceptions.
The Falcons have locked down two of their three starting cornerbacks, with AJ Terrell on the right and Dee Alford starting in the slot with an opening on the left. The Falcons have struggled to find a boundary cornerback to complement Terrell through his first four seasons and tried their luck last season with the former No. 3 overall pick.
The Atlanta Falcons acquired the former No. 3 overall pick last offseason.
The Falcons acquired Jeff Okudah in a trade during the 2023 offseason in hopes of filling the team’s talented cornerback roster. Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned. He appeared in 13 games, starting nine of them.
Okudah recorded 44 tackles, three pass deflections and a PFF grade of 50.5. He allowed 38 passes on 58 targets for 528 yards and a passing rating of 94.6.
The Falcons opted not to re-sign him, and he signed a one-year deal with the Texans.
Two players will compete for a starting position.
Player #1
The first player competing for a starting spot will be Clark Phillips III. The 2023 fourth-round draft pick is entering his second year in the league after starting five games and playing in 11 in his rookie season. He recorded 27 tackles, five pass deflections and a 59.0 PFF grade. He allowed 18 receptions on 36 targets for 229 yards, two touchdowns and an 88.8 passer rating.
Player #2
The second contender for the starting spot is Mike Hughes. A first-round draft pick in 2018, Hughes is in his fourth team and seventh season in the NFL. He signed a two-year contract with the Falcons last season.
Hughes was available for playing time in 2023, appearing in 15 games and starting four, playing 235 snaps in the slot and 60 snaps at corner. He recorded 21 tackles, one pass deflection and a 51.8 PFF grade. He allowed 10 receptions on 19 targets for 104 yards, one touchdown and a passer rating of 86.3.
Dee Alford played the majority of his snaps in the slot, so Alford will definitely play in the slot and Hughes will be competing for a spot on the perimeter.
Who trained with the first team?
A hamstring injury to AJ Terrell meant Clark Phillips III and Mike Hughes practiced with the first team during OTAs, and both players practiced with the first team throughout mandatory minicamp.
Expect the competition for CB2 to intensify during training camp.
Who do you think will win the CB2 competition?
For more great Gridiron Heroics content, check out:
Follow us at X@Jackson Roszko And follow us Gridiron Enjoy more great content and have any questions? LinkedIn. Read more of our articles and stay up to date NFL and college football, click here.
Thank you for reading my article, it is very much appreciated.
Our Partners
Mayfield Sports Marketing
To invite Green Bay Packers players and alumni to your corporate appearance or product promotion, call Mayfield Sports Marketing at 262-366-8188. Our booking agents will work with you to find the sports speaker of your choice at the best price. Mayfield Sports Marketing is the go-to source for booking top athletes to speak at your events and trade shows. Call us today to learn more about appearance and booking rates for Packers players and alumni. www.MayfieldSports.com.
