Falcons Rookie CB Clark Phillips 'Loves Playing Defense'
From the moment the Atlanta Falcons selected former Utah cornerback Clark Phillips III No. 113 overall, the level of excitement in the room was clear.
“We can’t wait to get you down here," Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot told Phillips. "We know how you’re going to go to work, man. You’re going to be a part of something special, alright?”
Entering the pre-draft process, Phillips was a consensus second round pick for his ball skills and ability to lock down Pac-12 receivers. However, at 5-9 and 184 pounds, Phillips disappointing combine, especially in the 40-yard dash time (4.51) left teams questioning where he fits best in the NFL.
"It's all about perspective," Phillips said. "I've always been dominant - I never really thought about it in a way like, 'dang, this sucks,' or 'dang, why are they taller than me?' It's always been something I've used to my advantage and I've been able to excel."
And whether or not Atlanta opts to plug Phillips inside or out, the Unanimous All-American is ready to make an immediate impact.
"I just love playing defense and getting interceptions," Phillips said. "I think you can get interceptions from the outside and the inside, and that's something I'm super excited to get to do."
Phillips, the Pac 12's 2022 leader in interceptions (six), finished the year with 24 tackles, 12 pass deflections and two tackles for loss while being named to First-Team All Conference.
“Quick, athletic, speed, instincts, ball skills,” Fontenot said. “Again, a tough and competitive player. Played in a tough program, the way they do things there. Very excited about the player.”
Phillips joins a cornerback room of A.J. Terrell, Jeff Okudah and Mike Hughes and will look to be a Day 1 starter in Atlanta's secondary.
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