He played a team-high 457 snaps in the slot and struggled at times. Per data from PFF, in 13 games, Alford allowed a completion on 70.3% of his targets and a 106.8 passer rating, 27.6 points above average.
But as shown on his almost-touchdown, he has playmaking ability. Assistant head coach Jerry Gray recently said Alford “has taken another step” this offseason. After only two years in the league, it would be foolish to write him off.
Hughes, a six-year veteran, replaced Alford as the team’s starting slot corner in Week 12, a role he held in four of Atlanta’s last six games.
He was targeted 18 times, allowing 10 receptions for 98 yards (9.8 yards per catch) during that span. During the team’s June minicamp, he worked with the starting unit as the No. 2 corner.
Outside linebacker (3-4 defense)
Projected starters: Arnold Ebiketie, Lorenzo Carter
Players to watch: Bralen Trice, DeAngelo Malone
Ebiketie, entering his third season out of Penn State, is Atlanta’s best returning edge rusher and is penciled in at No. 1 on the depth chart. Carter, a six-year veteran, might start camp with the first-team defense, but he should have competition.
Trice’s development will be fascinating to watch, particularly compared to first-round edge rushers Dallas Turner and Laiatu Latu, players the Falcons passed on to select backup quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 overall pick in April’s draft.
He has the tools, most notably lateral quickness, to be a strong pass-rusher, allowing him to capitalize on stunts and bull rushes when crashing into the interior of the pocket, such as on this sack allowed by Packers 2024 first-round pick offensive tackle Jordan Morgan on Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita.