Atlanta Falcons: Do they have a top five cornerback duo?

The Atlanta Falcons need some boost from their secondary if they want their defense to be one of the leagues’ best in 2016.

In today’s league, the passing game has become the preferred means of offense for most NFL teams. This rule applies especially to the NFC South, where the Falcons play. With most teams constantly adding depth to their receiving corps, the cornerback position has grown in importance, and shutdown corners are becoming just as valuable as top-tier wide receivers.

The Falcons have young depth in their secondary, and have made strides the last few seasons to get better. However, the Falcons are going to need a big boost considering the division they play in.

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The Panthers are coming off a super bowl run and will have Kelvin Benjamin returning from injury to go along with Cam Newton at the helm. The Buccaneers have a stud in Jameis Winston with two receivers that both stand at over 6-foot-5 in Mike Evans and Austin Seferian-Jenkins. And the Saints have Drew Brees… enough said.

This is a division that relies mostly on the passing attack, and with that kind of talent being played six times a year, Atlanta will need their cornerback duo of Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford to be a top 5 performing duo.

Let’s get something out of the way right now; there is little chance of the Falcons cornerback duo being able to crack the top three. With the Jets and Broncos taking the top two spots, it’s very difficult to crack such tough competition. However, there is plenty of room to fit them into the top 5.

Desmond Trufant will be 25 years old when the season begins in September, and the corner has already made great strides his first three seasons. Trufant has become one of the better corners in the league, not only for his ability to lock down receivers, but also for his smart decision-making.

Alford, who was selected one round after Trufant, is 27, but is still learning the game and getting better at a slower pace, but is still one of the better investments the Falcons have made.

These two make for a wonderfully athletic duo, but the Falcons also have an ace in the hole. Jalen Collins is expected to be their second outside corner in 2016.

I understand the off-field issues and rookie struggles, but the kid has serious athletic ability and size, and will hopefully show much improvement from last season after his four-game suspension is served.

Trufant and Alford are a great duo, who honestly are already easily a top 10 duo in the league. With Quinn coming into his second year as head coach, it will give these two a greater chance to improve on what already was a great season for both of them. It won’t be an easy season. The Falcons face multiple teams that will pose a threat through the air. This could ultimately kill the dream of the Falcons having a top five corner duo from a statistical standpoint, but one must also consider the help head coach Quinn has brought to the linebacker position.

If a few draft picks and free agent pick-ups work out, it could be a big benefit for Trufant and Alford.

One can argue either way on where the Falcons corners fall in the grand scheme of things. What sets the Falcons apart, though, is when Collins returns for the outside role after his suspension. Sure, he might not able to stay out of trouble, and maybe he could turn out to be a bust, but his athletic ability and size under Quinn will turn results if he can get on the field and stay there.

With Trufant, Alford, and Collins all playing their best, I’m not sure you could find a better cornerback trio in the entire league. This is huge for the Falcons, with their pass-heavy division.

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Ultimately, Falcons fans shouldn’t worry about their corners. Trufant and Alford are two of the best prospects a fan could ask for, and there are way more red flags that this team has to worry about. The Falcons might not have a top 5 cornerback duo just yet, but the question isn’t a matter of if, but when. If not this year, there isn’t a doubt in my mind they will next season. As long as they remain with the team of course.

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