In the wake of the annual Hall of Fame game and ensuing enshrinement, with the newest members of the storied game entering Canton, we now enter the opening week of preseason games for all 32 teams.
As the Atlanta Falcons kick off in a matter of days, the position battles within the depth chart might be a tougher competition than the Detroit Lions. Camp has been underway for two weeks and in the Atlanta Falcons' secondary, defensive back Dee Alford is looking to secure his job as the starting nickel back in defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich’s system.
Alford has been with the Falcons since signing in January of 2022 as a free agent coming off a season in the CFL where he won a Grey Cup with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Alford made 11 starts last season and is looking to gain momentum this preseason to increase that number and secure his starting spot in the new secondary.
During his three seasons with the Falcons, Alford has secured one interception, 104 solo tackles, and four tackles for loss. On special teams, Alford has 20 total returns for 160 yards. Nipping at Alford's heels for playing time is rookie Billy Bowman Jr. The fourth-round pick from Oklahoma brings speed and intensity to the depth of the Falcons' secondary and could challenge Alford for the starting position by the end of the preseason.
The nickel back position is a spot where newcomer Billy Bowman Jr. could have a chance to see playing time this Friday against the Lions. A breakout performance for Bowman could give the Falcons' coaching staff tough decisions to make. Bowman, who was the 118th pick in the 2025 draft, will be looking to impress Ulbrich and Head Coach Raheem Morris as they look to build a team around players that fit their system.
The Falcons will host the Detroit Lions on Friday, August 8th, at 7 pm at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.