The Falcons have a few solid cornerbacks on the roster, but they need more depth. Atlanta should be looking for both an outside cornerback fitting that Richard Sherman or Desmond Trufant mold, as well as a smaller and quicker nickel corner who can back up Damontae Kazee.
Currently under contract, the Falcons have the mega-deal for Trufant, plus second-round pick Isaiah Oliver and Kazee on their rookie deals. Backup Blidi Wreh-Wilson also recently signed a minimum salary deal. After 2019, only Trufant, Kazee and Oliver will be under contract of this unit. Here’s one cornerback prospect for Atlanta in each round of this draft class.
Round 1: CB Greedy Williams, Louisiana State
It’s doubtful the Falcons will go after a cornerback in the first round. That being said, if they do, it will probably be LSU’s Williams. Size-wise, he compares to Richard Sherman, but on the field, he’s closer to Charles Woodson. Coverage-wise, he’s capable in both man and zone and would succeed in Atlanta’s cover-3 scheme. He’s also a ball hawk with 20 pass deflections and eight interceptions in two years. As good as Greedy is in coverage, he’s not a solid run defender due to a lack of effort at times.
Round 2: CB Julian Love, Notre Dame
Julian Love from Notre Dame showed first-round talent in South Bend. Size and speed aren’t natural pluses, but his football IQ and his tenacity more than make up for it. He also is a sound run defender with solid tackling technique. Technically, he has some issues that need to be refined. He will get called for a lot of penalties at the pro level, but he’s very similar to Robert Alford coming out of college absent the great long speed.
Round 3: CB Trayvon Mullen, Clemson
Trayvon Mullen is 6-foot-2, 190 pounds and has long arms that help him in press and zone defenses. In man coverage, his lack of change of direction ability is apparent and it shows that he needs to be in a scheme that can protect him. Playing in a primarily cover-3 defense like Atlanta’s would be a perfect fit for his current skill set. As a run defender, he’s a reliable enough tackler and could eventually slide to safety once his speed leaves him. Early on, he should compete for the starting role at right corner with Isaiah Oliver and play a lot on special teams.
Round 4: CB Michael Jackson, Miami
Michael Jackson out of Miami could be an interesting fit as a more traditional corner prospect. He can play man and cover-three zones efficiently and does best in zones that are underneath and typical for nickels. He could instantly compete with Kazee for that role. An interesting spot for Jackson would be Brian Poole’s old role as a slot blitzer, as he recorded 3.5 sacks the last two seasons in college. His competitiveness will shine but he goes this late being a jack of all trades and a master of none.
Round 5: CB Derrick Baity, Kentucky
Derrick Baity out of Kentucky has the long frame and the fearlessness that good pro cornerbacks need. If he drops this low, it will be due to his lack of technique and run defense. Baity is more of a coverage defender who knocks the ball away than one who turns around and intercepts multiple passes in a season like Sherman. Ideally, the Falcons would use him at outside cornerback in a depth role.
Round 6: CB Hamp Cheevers, Boston College
Hamp Cheevers out of Boston College could provide competition at slot cornerback. A true ball hawk, Cheevers intercepted nine passes while also knocking away 11 through his two years starting at Boston College. He played both in the slot and outside and could turn into a Pro Bowl-caliber nickel defender. He would likely have a role as a prime special teams player, as well.
Round 7: CB Mark Fields, Clemson
The Falcons picking up Mark Fields would be a similar move to them bringing in Hamp Cheevers. The difference is that Fields does not have the same ball skills that Cheevers has. He’s more of a pure coverage player who can lock down his man. At this point in the draft, it’s all about finding depth and special teams contributors. Fields can at least do that much during his first season in the NFL.
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