Predicting the Atlanta Falcons defensive starters for 2022

The projected starting cornerbacks for the Atlanta Falcons

• CB1: A.J. Terrell
• CB2: Casey Hayward
• CB3: Isaiah Oliver

You probably are not surprised here, the Falcons’ top two cornerbacks are locked in. But let’s still talk about them.

A.J. Terrell catapulted himself becoming a top corner in the entire league. After what was a rough rookie year, he totally flipped his career around by shutting down literally every single receiver he went against.

Not only that but he was playing on a defense that easily had one of the worst pass rushes in the league. 18 sacks for the guys in front of Terrell, but he still managed to only allow 300 yards combined on the year. What more can you say about him? He seriously should have been at least considered for Defensive Player of the Year, but obviously, when you play on a bad team, those votes do not come your way.

Terry Fontenot was able to steal Casey Hayward in free agency. He has been one of the NFL’s most consistent cover guys over the past decade. Who knows how he was able to sign him for as little as he did. His base salary for this year is $2 million, it makes no sense.

The Falcons’ top two corners can rival any other team’s top two.

Finally, there is Isaiah Oliver who should end up with the starting nickel spot as long as he is fully healthy. For the few games he played last season, he was solid. His importance was obvious following his injury.