Surprise Shakeup in Falcons Secondary Gives Veterans Early Edge

The Atlanta Falcons began training camp on Thursday with several questions in their secondary.

Atlanta Falcons cornerback Mike Hughes was running ahead of Clark Phillips on the first day of training camp. / Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Falcons hit the field for Day 1 of training camp at IBM Performance Field in Flowery Branch, Ga, and there are already two storylines making waves on the defensive side of the football. According to Falcons on SI's Daniel Flick, the players taking first reps at CB2 and the safety position beside Jessie Bates III are already turning some heads. 

From the Falcons’ first few plays of walkthrough at camp…

- Mike Hughes at CB2 over Clark Phillips
- Richie Grant at safety next to Jessie Bates
- DL includes Ta’Quon Graham and James Smith-Williams. Grady Jarrett also back on the field. pic.twitter.com/P2o1L5KUiE

— Daniel Flick (@ByDanielFlick) July 25, 2024

While Thursday was a heavy walkthrough day emphasizing formations, installation plays, and pre-snap movement, it is worth noting who gets the first initial reps for each position group. While A.J. Terrell is the undisputed CB1 for Atlanta, there is a battle for who lines up opposite Terrell.

Mike Hughes arises as the Falcons’ early CB2.

Last season, general manager Terry Fontenot signed Mike Hughes after spending one year with the Detroit Lions. The seven-year veteran appeared in 15 games with Atlanta while starting four. In those games, he generated zero interceptions with just one PBU. When opposing quarterbacks targeted him, they generated a 94.3 NFL passer rating. 

While he had a relatively uneventful first year for the Falcons, it seems he is getting the first crack at the CB2 position over second-year talent Clark Phillips III. There is plenty of time in camp for this to change, but now, the veteran has the upper hand. Additionally, another player in the secondary is getting a shot at first-team reps before others, which may come as a surprise to some.

Richie Grant is Jessie Bates III's early running mate in the secondary.

The four-year veteran was also seen as the first safety rolled out onto the field besides Bates III. While safety DeMarcco Hellams was the one who saw the team’s last snaps at the strong safety position last season, new defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake seemingly wants to see what the player in his contract year is about. Additionally, Grant is doing his best to make the most of the opportunity.

Richie Grant earlier today, on his goals for the offseason:

“Excuse my language, I wanted to make this shit fun.

“It’s over in the blink of an eye. You really want to cherish all the moments you get.” pic.twitter.com/JH5r0jbLgC

— Daniel Flick (@ByDanielFlick) July 25, 2024

Last season, Grant participated in 945 snaps on defense. In those snaps, the former UCF Knight allowed an NFL Passer rating of 128.6 when he was targeted in coverage. Additionally, he was on the hook for allowing five touchdowns combined with allowing 14.8 yards per reception.

It will be interesting to see what the veteran can do in a new-look defense. The Falcons still have plenty of untapped potential in their former starter; it is possible their new defensive coordinator could unlock it.