The Falcons got significantly better through the NFL Draft, potentially adding as many as four new defensive starters in James Pearce Jr., Jalon Walker, Xavier Watts, and Billy Bowman Jr.
On paper, it’s Terry Fontenot’s best work. The Falcons’ pass rush has long been the biggest weakness on the defense, and in one offseason, Atlanta’s GM may have laid the foundation of what could be one of the better units in the league.
However, that side of the ball could still use an addition, and Pro Football Focus agrees, listing the Falcons’ need to find stability at corner as Atlanta’s last offseason move.
“While the Falcons addressed some of their coverage needs during this year’s draft, the cornerback room continues to be a question mark. Dee Alford has struggled in the slot, which might pave the way for rookie Billy Bowman Jr. to carve out a role. And Mike Hughes‘ inconsistency may lead to Clark Phillips III making a leap on the depth chart.
Adding more competition never hurts, which could open the door for an option such as Asante Samuel Jr. The 25-year-old struggled with injury in 2024 but posted an 82.0 PFF coverage grade at outside cornerback across 2022 and 2023.”
Asante Samuel Jr. is coming off an injured-riddled season, but he fits with what the Falcons need and can afford. Jeremy Fowler of ESPN recently reported that Samuel visited the Saints on Monday. However, the free agent corner won’t make a decision until the summer.
Samuel was a 2021 second-round pick of the Chargers, and he started 47 of the 50 regular-season games for Los Angeles. He’s better in zone than man, which is perfect for what Raheem Morris and Jeff Ulbrich are expected to run in Atlanta. The Falcons might not be interested in adding a player coming off a serious neck injury, but they need to add a starting-caliber cornerback.
Let’s run through the current depth chart. Dee Alford was literally BBQ chicken last year. Clark Phillips might have physical limitations that no amount of development can change, and Billy Bowman Jr. was a fourth-round pick who is making the transition to corner after playing safety at Oklahoma.
That’s not even considering what an injury to Hughes or A.J. Terrell would do to this room. Simply put, the Falcons have an exciting young group on defense, but insurance is never a bad thing. Cornerback needs some.
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Photographer: Jordon Kelly
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