Falcons Cornerback Preview: New Additions Flashing in Camp?

Training camp is underway for the Atlanta Falcons in Flowery Branch, Georgia, which is giving fans and media alike their first look at the additions to a cornerback group that was part of a Falcons secondary that ranked near the bottom of the league in passing yards per game.

Among those additions is Jeff Okudah, the former 2020 first-round NFL Draft pick of the Detroit Lions, who was traded to the Falcons this offseason for a fifth-round. After a rougher start to his career, than many anticipated when Okudah entered the league out of Ohio State, he is already showing signs of improvement.

After losing a one-on-one rep to new Falcons receiver Mack Hollins, Okudah rebounded with a pass breakup against Drake London and an interception off a tipped pass.

Okudah wasn't the only new player that general manager Terry Fontenot added to the mix this offseason, as he also signed veteran cornerback Mike Hughes before drafting Clark Phillips III out of Utah in the fourth round.

Even the rookie Phillips has made plays in camp thus far, as a clip of him versus Drake London made waves on social media. In the video, London runs what appears to be a go route. But with the ball that appears to be underthrown, Phillips tips the ball away from the grasp of London before picking it off.

Drake London vs rookie CB Clark Phillips III. Phillips comes away with it! #Falcons pic.twitter.com/l5q1Vz7z8a
— Kevin Knight (@FalcoholicKevin) July 27, 2023

The highlight play from Phillips was made despite being at an experience and height disadvantage to London. The rookie is listed on his NFL.com player profile at 5-9, making him much smaller than London at 6-5. Despite these disadvantages, Phillips never backed down from the challenge, as Falcons coach Arthur Smith described after the practice.

With Okudah and Phillips being seen as early camp standouts, it is logical that fans will want to know where these two new pieces fit into the defense.

The hope in Atlanta is for Okudah to be the partner of A.J. Terrell on the outside. And judging by the start of camp, that is where he is being penciled in. Thus leaving the nickel position as the only question. But it may not be a question for long as second-year pro Dee Alford looks set to take the starting role.

Alford, a former CFL standout, signed for the Falcons last offseason. Despite originally being looked at as a longshot to make the 53-man roster, he not only made the team but would later break out in the absence of the then-injured Isaiah Oliver.

After totaling 25 tackles, seven passes defended, and a game-sealing interception against the Cleveland Browns in 16 games last season for the Falcons, Alford is the favorite to start on the inside of Terrell and Okudah.

Falcons Projected Starting Cornerbacks

CB1: A.J. Terrell

CB2: Jeff Okudah

Nickel: Dee Alford

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