Atlanta Falcons offseason positional expectations: CB
By Andrew Ross
The Atlanta Falcons cornerback room might be closer than it seems.
The secondary of the Atlanta Falcons is a much-maligned group and has been for years, there have been promising players that just haven’t panned out. Whether it’s Jalen Collins off-field failings, Desmond Trufant’s injury struggles the last few years in Atlanta, or Isaiah Oliver’s lack of development.
The team has struggled with the number one cornerback.
The Falcons may have struck gold in last year’s draft and there are interesting options that could be added this year as well. If they can hit on another outside corner this unit could be strong going into 2021.
Current Roster:
A.J. Terrell, Isaiah Oliver, Kendall Sheffield, Chris Williamson, Delrick Abrams
The Atlanta Falcons selected A.J. Terrell in the first round of the 2020 draft and were largely criticized for reaching. Not for taking a corner but for which one they took as other corners were rated higher by some.
However, in year one A.J. looks to be a stud.
There were certainly year one lapses as should be expected from any rookie but for the most part, he lived up to the expectations of around one pick. If he continues to develop he’ll be a centerpiece on this defense for a long time and will quickly become a household name
Isaiah Oliver has been a “break out” candidate for what feels like a few years. After being selected in the second round of the 2018 draft he was thought to be a steal. He showed promise as a rookie but hasn’t been able to develop as expected. He’s certainly a serviceable outside corner but can be a liability at times.
Towards the end of 2020, the Falcons moved Oliver to the slot corner position. When he first entered the league his size and mobility had many pigeon hole him to an outside corner only but he showed signs of improvement once he moved to the inside in 2020.
If the slot turns out to be where he truly belongs he could be a true asset
Kendall Sheffield has a ton of speed and athleticism but tends to have lapses in technique at times. He can be reliable depth for this group but ideally won’t be pressed into a full-time role.
Delrick Abrams was an undrafted free agent signed by the Falcons last year, he spent most of the year on the practice squad but was active for two games and played a few snaps, primarily special teams.
Chris Williamson was a seventh-round pick by the giants in 2020, was cut and signed to the Falcons practice squad. He was never active during the season
Both Abrams and Williamson were signed to reserve/future contract.