SUBHAN: There has been a lot of quarterback talk at the front end of this offseason, but cornerback will be a continual question until it’s answered next season. Who will start opposite A.J. Terrell?
So far, the Falcons are closely evaluating what they have in the room already after not selecting a defensive back in the 2024 NFL Draft and signing just a few veteran guys early in free agency. Secondary coach Justin Hood and assistant head coach/defense Jerry Gray do believe in the options available to them, though.
“We got a lot of young guys that are out competing for that spot,” Gray said. “That’s what we try to tell them, ‘Look, there is nothing in pen, your job is to go out and compete every day and let us make a decision on what you can do who’s going to be the next guys sitting next to A.J.”
Through offseason open practices, we’ve seen Mike Hughes get some reps alongside Terrell. Then, when Terrell did not participate in workouts two weeks ago, Clark Phillips III stepped up.
Phillips also stepped up at the end of last season, starting five games to finish his rookie year, so it’s not a surprise to see him getting first-team opportunities again in the present. Head coach Raheem Morris said he really likes what Phillips has displayed this offseason, especially since the cornerback recently had a pick-six during non-contact scrimmage.
“You love the nature of the human, he’s just built for football and you can just tell,” Morris said. “I’m sure he goes to the grocery store thinking about football. He’s got a little bit of alien to him in that way. That’s what I love about that young man.”
So, there are options, and the Falcons will continue to look at them as we draw closer to training camp. I’m very curious as to who will get those starting reps with Terrell next week during mandatory minicamp if everyone is present and accounted for.