The Atlanta Falcons' defense was a huge liability during the 2024 season. Most of the blame is pointed toward a defensive line that had trouble reaching the quarterback, recording just 31 sacks. While the Falcons' lack of pressure was an issue, the secondary also didn't play great.
In 2024, Atlanta's defense allowed an average of 224.5 passing yards per game, which ranked 24th in the NFL. Although pass rush is closely linked to successful secondary play, it is not the only way for a secondary to be effective. Shutdown cornerbacks can also do the job on their own. Atlanta had neither.
One of their struggling cornerbacks got a new contract this offseason, but the team should be willing to move on at the first sign of trouble in 2025.
Dee Alford Must Prove Himself Quickly in 2025
After going undrafted in 2020, Dee Alford joined the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League. The University of Tusculum product spent two seasons in the CFL before signing with the Falcons in 2022.
In 2022, Alford appeared in 16 games, playing 246 snaps, recording 25 tackles, seven pass deflections, and one interception. This was enough to earn him more playing time in his second NFL season. In 2023, Alford played 571 snaps, recording 41 tackles, six pass deflections, two fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. Furthermore, he recorded a pass coverage grade of 72.8, according to PFF.
Unfortunately, last season was the 27-year-old's worst as a pro. In 2024, Alford recorded a career-worst in completions percentage against (70.2%) and pass coverage with a grade of 55.9. Yet, Atlanta chose to bring him back on a one-year deal late in the offseason.
Keeping Alford around as a depth piece on a cheap contract could be a fine move if he returns to the solid form he showed in 2022 and 2023. But the Falcons should draft at least one new cornerback (maybe more), and if Alford continues to struggle then there's no reason Atlanta should let him continue to take a roster spot from a young player with more upside.