Falcons named potential landing spot for two-time All-Pro CB Xavien Howard

Many NFL experts have argued this offseason that the Atlanta Falcons still have a hole in their defense at Edge Rusher. But Derrik Klassen of Bleacher Report went in a different direction and identified 2020 first-team All-Pro cornerback Xavien Howard as a potential solution for Atlanta.

Klassen argued that Falcons cornerback is one of the biggest holes not only for Atlanta but in the entire league. To fill the void, Howard was one of four players Klassen suggested as additions the Falcons should make to their secondary.

“AJ Terrell needs help. Although he is one of the brightest young cornerbacks in the game, his impact can often seem muted because teams can simply dismiss him. This has been true for most of his time in Atlanta,” Klassen wrote.

“With OTAs underway, it appears Dee Alford is going to occupy the nickel position while a slew of others fight for the outside spot opposite Terrell. Names like Clark Phillips III, Kevin King, Mike Hughes and Antonio Hamilton are all there.

“I agree with crossing off almost all of these names as serious answers for the starting job.

“The Falcons will need someone bigger and better though if they want to be a serious defense. They at least need someone who can provide better competition for Phillips than King, Hughes and Hamilton.

The three other potential cornerback candidates Klassen named for the Falcons were free agents Ahkello Witherspoon and Adoree’ Jackson, as well as Philadelphia Eagles veteran James Bradberry.

Although he turns 31 on July 4, Howard has had the most successful career of these cornerbacks, making him the most interesting potential addition to Klassen’s roster. In addition to his 2020 first-team All-Pro nomination, Howard made the 2018 second-team All-Pro.

He led the NFL in interceptions in both of those seasons. Howard is also a 4-time Pro Bowler – 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022.

Last season he had 45 combined tackles with 12 pass defenses and 1 interception.

Howard is probably still a free agent because he’s not the cornerback he once was. But he would clearly become the best option for CB2 opposite AJ Terrell if he were on the Falcons roster.

The Miami Dolphins drafted Howard in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He recorded 95 pass defenses and 29 interceptions in 100 career NFL games, all with the Dolphins.