Many mock drafts had the Falcons taking a corner early in this upcoming NFL Draft. With Atlanta recently re-signing Dee Alford to the team, how does that shift the Falcons’ draft narrative?
How Dee Alford’s Return Shifts Falcons Draft Narrative
Recap of Falcons’ Secondary Movements
The Falcons have not been active in making major secondary moves. However, there are still some notable changes. Justin Simmons is no longer on the team and is testing the free agency market. Simmons was a major part of the Falcons’ secondary last season, recording 2 interceptions and over 60 tackles. Simmons’ departure leaves a major hole to be filled on the Atlanta depth chart.
Atlanta made several moves to provide depth at the corner position. The team signed Mike Ford Jr. to a two-year deal as well as brought back Mike Hughes on a three-year contract. Kevin King also recently decided to resign with the team on a short contract extension. With the recent headline that Dee Alford is set to return to the organization, Atlanta has now signed in free agency or extended contracts on four players at the cornerback position alone.
Alford’s Career in ATL
Dee Alford has had a steady career in Atlanta, but nothing that has turned heads just yet. Over his career, he has had 141 total tackles and just one interception in his rookie campaign. However, in 2024 he gained a significant number of more significant reps and nearly doubled his total tackles from the year before. Many wondered if this growth over one year was enough to bring him back and not explore other options in the draft. Now with Alford officially coming back alongside 3 other potential starting-caliber cornerbacks, the draft strategy of the Falcons in the later rounds of the draft remains in question.
Upgrades in the Draft?
With this upcoming draft being so deep in safety talent like Andrew Mukuba and Nick Emmanwori, expect the Falcons to be able to fill that hole within the first 3-4 rounds of the draft. There has been some speculation of a Justin Simmons return, but as it stands, expect the team to be looking to be needing to fill a need at safety in this upcoming draft. As far as the cornerback position is concerned, the Falcons proved that they trust in who they have on their current roster. Do not expect too many drastic picks to improve the secondary, but the team could decide to get some hidden talent later in the draft to bolster the depth chart.
Secondary Moving Forward
The Falcons’ secondary last season was almost entirely brought back from the previous season, and rightfully so. With the team’s struggles to rush the passer, the secondary did a phenomenal job at holding their own. The team ranked 22nd in pass defense and 15th in run defense. Though 22nd in the league is not ideal, it is still impressive considering the team was second to last in quarterback pressures and sacks. Fans should be excited about watching what this secondary can do now that the team is sure to get help on the edge.
