Terry Fontenot, Arthur Smith Scout Falcons 'Tough, Competitive' Draft Pick Clark Phillips III
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Entering the NFL Combine, Utah cornerback Clark Phillips III was viewed as a potential top-50 pick ... but after measuring in at 5-9, 184 pounds and posting less than stellar testing numbers, slid all the way to the draft's fourth round.
The beneficiary? Atlanta Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot and coach Arthur Smith, who landed a strong value pick at No. 113 overall.
But what will Phillips bring to Atlanta and why are Fontenot and Smith so convicted in him?
A unanimous All-American who was named AP Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year, Phillips nabbed six interceptions this past season, tied for the most among Power Five players. He also tied for the lead in passes defended during conference play with 11.
In 2021, Phillips led the Pac-12 with 15 passes defended and added two interceptions. The Lakewood, Ca., native started all 31 games played during his time in Salt Lake City.
In essence, Phillips is a defined ballhawk - and brings plenty of intangible traits to Atlanta's secondary.
"You can’t have too many defensive backs who can cover and take the ball away," Fontenot said. "He's a tough, competitive player who came from a tough program. He’s about what we’re about so we’re excited to add him to the group."
Fontenot added that Phillips "definitely checks the intelligence box," creating a well-rounded profile and inspiring confidence that the former Ute star can be an early impact contributor.
The question now becomes where Phillips plays; he was largely an outside corner at Utah but some feel he projects best inside at nickel.
Atlanta has All-Pro corner A.J. Terrell under control for two more years after picking up his fifth-year option, but there's plenty of uncertainty behind him.
During the offseason, the Falcons acquired former No. 3 overall pick Jeff Okudah via trade from the Detroit Lions and signed another former Lion in Mike Hughes, all the while releasing veteran Casey Hayward and losing Isaiah Oliver to the San Francisco 49ers.
Amidst that movement, there remain some familiar faces in the cornerbacks room, as Dee Alford, Darren Hall and Cornell Armstrong are back.
So, inside or outside for Phillips?
"He can do both," Smith said. "A guy like Clark, highly productive (at) which I think's one of the better programs that's sustained success, have a lot of respect for Utah's program. We loved our interactions with him - this is a guy we had conviction on across the board and we were excited he was there."
Smith noted that defenses are trending to be more multiple in their coverage packages, forcing versatility from their defensive backs, and the Falcons feel as if Phillips fits that mold.
With his intellect, toughness and accolade-filled resume, Phillips brings an intriguing profile to Atlanta ... and it's not difficult to see why Smith and Fontenot are "excited" and filled with "conviction."
You can follow Daniel Flick on Twitter @DFlickDraft
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