The Atlanta Falcons find themselves at a pivotal juncture regarding cornerback Jeff Okudah as they approach the offseason, with the decisions on potential replacements available in the 2024 NFL Draft likely to shape the path chosen by General Manager Terry Fontenot. Okudah, who joined the Falcons via trade from the Detroit Lions in March, has delivered a successful inaugural season, amassing 41 tackles and three passes defended in 10 games. Despite his promising performance, the 24-year-old former No. 3 overall draft pick is on the brink of unrestricted free agency, adding an element of uncertainty to his future with the team.
Complicating matters is the anticipated extension for starting cornerback A.J. Terrell, a move that may dissuade the Falcons from committing to Okudah at market value. This situation raises the possibility of the team exploring replacements in the upcoming NFL Draft, and ESPN’s latest mock draft suggests that the Falcons are eyeing Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold as the 11th overall pick.
ESPN notes that the Falcons, missing out on top quarterbacks in this scenario, aim to fortify their defense with Arnold, a 6-foot-2 redshirt sophomore. Arnold’s standout attributes include five interceptions in the 2023 season, coupled with a physicality rarely observed in young cornerbacks during run plays. Described as “long and aggressive” with the ball skills to complement A.J. Terrell, Arnold is positioned as a potential star cornerback.
Hailing from Tallahassee, Florida, Arnold redshirted his first year at Tuscaloosa but quickly made an impact in the subsequent season, earning Freshman All-American honors with impressive stats, including 45 tackles, eight pass breakups, and an interception in 11 games. His stellar 2023 campaign saw him tie for the SEC lead in interceptions and passes defended, earning him first-team AP All-American recognition. Arnold concluded the season ranked third on the Crimson Tide with 61 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and a team-high 11 pass breakups.
The mock draft scenario envisions the Falcons passing on potential quarterback successors like Desmond Ridder, with four quarterbacks already off the board. The focus then returns to Okudah’s contract situation, influenced by his recent performance. Pro Football Reference data indicates that Okudah allowed 13 receptions for 240 yards on 19 targets in his past two games, leading to a 53.1 overall grade and a 49.2 coverage rating by Pro Football Focus. Despite a strong start, Okudah’s recent struggles, including missed games due to ankle injuries, have raised questions about his long-term reliability.
In Okudah’s absence, rookie cornerback Clark Phillips III stepped up admirably, notably in a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers where he didn’t allow a reception on seven targets. However, the 5-10 Phillips is versatile and can play in the nickel position, potentially affecting the team’s decisions on starting nickel Dee Alford in free agency.
As the Falcons navigate these intricate decisions, clarity is expected to emerge on April 25 during the NFL Draft. Until then, Okudah’s future remains uncertain, and the potential selection of Terrion Arnold may represent the chosen direction for Fontenot and the Falcons’ front office on decision day.
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