Is Clark Phillips III ready to become the Atlanta Falcons’ CB2?

It is hard to believe that the Atlanta Falcons will begin its 2024 training camp this Wednesday at IBM Performance Field in Flowery Branch, Ga. The team has a number of new faces, starting with new head coach Raheem Morris.

He brings a strong defensive mindset to Atlanta along with new defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake. With a team ranked 11th in total defense in 2023, they will undoubtedly be looking to crack the top 10 this year.

A big factor is the team’s defensive line, which features two of the league’s best players at their respective positions. Jessie Bates III is an All-Pro, and AJ Terrell is a top-15 cornerback.

However, the secondary needs another player to step up this year and make a difference, and Clark Phillips III, the team’s sophomore out of the University of Utah, has been given a prime opportunity.

The Falcons’ 2023 fourth-round pick was a success.

In the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, general manager Terry Fontenot and his staff selected Phillips.

One of the best projects cornerbacks was a value pick for the Falcons at 113th overall. In his rookie season, he was just as impressive. In 2023, Phillips III led the team with a team-low reception percentage of 51.7%, allowing just 15 receptions on 29 targets and allowing just two touchdowns.

Specifically, he allowed just four receptions on eight targets in man-to-man coverage, posting the best rate on the team despite the low number of targets. Can he produce at the same level at a higher rate? Coach Morris believes he has the attitude and mindset to do so.

“The detail, the serious demeanor – he’s always smiling, but he’s very serious at all times,” Morris said. “We love the nature of the human being, he’s made for football, and it shows. I’m sure he goes to the grocery store thinking about football. He’s got a little bit of an outsider in him. That’s what I love about this young man.”

With training camp this week, the hope is that the 5-foot-9, 185-pound defensive back will outperform veteran players like Antonio Hamilton, Kevin King and Mike Hughes. Overall, training camp should be where Phillips III shines and solidifies his spot opposite Terrell.