During the 2025 Atlanta Falcons Training Camp, a fierce battle is set to take place within the secondary. Who will emerge as the starting Nickel? Will an UDFA make the active roster?
The nickel corner position play for the Atlanta Falcons was inconsistent last season. Dee Alford started 11 games for Atlanta, but didn't meet the expectations needed when it comes to better output in the secondary. During the 2025 NFL Draft, the Falcons selected Xavier Watts and Billy Bowman Jr. Watts is a natural safety, but Bowman will be looked upon to compete with Alford for the starting role.
Alford's play during the 2023 season would warrant more playing time in 2024, but things didn't go as planned. Atlanta likes the way Bowman Jr. plays aggressively. He was able to showcase a bit of it on the field during mini-camp, but it was minimal. His personality was crucial for Atlanta during camp, and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich began to notice it when he emerged from his shell, showcasing his competitive nature.
Atlanta will look to lessen the cushion given to offenses this year. With the recent extension of number two corner Mike Hughes, who would only allow two touchdowns across 420 coverage snaps last season, Atlanta will look for plenty of depth in the secondary.
Undrafted rookie free agent Cobee Bryant is already a name on Atlanta Falcons fans' radar. But, going undrafted in the NFL Draft this past April, Bryant will need to showcase a little more during camp to have a shot at the active roster.
Atlanta feels comfortable with A.J. Terrell and Mike Hughes starting on the outside. Still, the ones behind them in the secondary should be looking over their shoulder during camp, because at those positions, a dark horse could emerge.
