Atlanta Falcons: 5 Players to Benefit Most from Preseason

Phillip Adams comes to the Atlanta Falcons after five years of NFL service as a nickel and dime package defensive back.  Adams has been on five other NFL teams in his professional career: the San Francisco 49ers, the New England Patriots, the Seattle Seahawks, the Oakland Raiders, and the New York Jets.

-= Atlanta Falcons: 5 Players Primed For a Breakout =-

Adams has appeared in 65 NFL games, starting 8 of them between Oakland and New York.  He has 4 career interceptions, 11 pass deflections, and 2 fumble recoveries as a rotational defensive back, a role he will likely play in Atlanta.

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The reason I think that Adams, though a NFL veteran, needs to prove himself this fall is that he will likely be the dime package corner for Assistant HC Raheem Morris’ secondary.  Adams’ improvement as a tackler as well as his ball-hawking ability should give the Falcons’ defense some interesting coverage options when the Dirty Birds drop into the nickel or dime.

It seems that Phillip Adams is 4th on the CB depth chart behind Desmond Trufant, Robert Alford and Jalen Collins.  While I do expect other younger defensive backs to challenge him for a roster spot, I see Adams’ NFL experience and ability to spot start as a major advantage for him.  Dan Quinn loves versatility and “what can a guy do best.” In a young secondary, I think Atlanta needs a veteran player to help guide the promising DBs the Atlanta Falcons have in their arsenal.

Next: Starting at a New Position?