The Falcons’ cornerback group usually left you wanting more in past years. As terrific as A.J. Terrell is, the inability to add an above-average second outside cornerback and the instability at nickel had fans frustrated on a long list of defensive frustrations. Those issues were somewhat alleviated last year with Mike Hughes being solid enough, Billy Bowman Jr. showing legitimate flashes, and Dee Alford’s revival. There were still moments where more was expected from a group on a defense that was raising
the standard of play across all three levels.
That has to be the mindset for Jeff Ulbrich’s defense. They set the bar high for how well they played last season. Mediocre units don’t rattle the Bills and Rams as they did. Ulbrich deserves enormous credit for how well he coached in both matchups. The players stepped up to execute his vision. It was an overall positive year for the group, but there is genuine potential to do significantly more with at least one personnel upgrade.
A.J. Terrell
Atlanta’s stalwart cornerback has appeared to find his niche over the last three seasons. After performing at an All-Pro level in 2021, Terrell endured a difficult 2022 season. He allowed nine touchdowns and suffered a midseason hamstring injury. The high variance in play has evened out, as the one-time second-team All-Pro has established himself as one of the more highly regarded cornerbacks in the NFL. What prevents Terrell from reclaiming his place as one of the best, as he was in 2021, stems from two issues: his propensity to commit penalties and crumble in certain matchups.
Terrell plays with the physicality and fluidity you want from a top-tier cornerback. The lack of composure in man coverage in certain moments has proven costly. Committing five penalties against Tampa Bay was jarring, especially given his history against Mike Evans. Although Evans has gotten the better of him in previous matchups, Terrell did a stellar job against him on opening day this season. Terrell was penalized 12 times this past season. Combining that with producing zero interceptions will leave everyone wanting more from a player of his caliber.
Despite those frustrating moments, Terrell is still more than capable of rising to the occasion. The way he stifled Puka Nacua in primetime showcased his capabilities as an all-around cornerback who embraces being isolated against the best. Terrell’s tackling noticeably improved, as he missed a career-low eight tackles per Pro Football Focus. There is plenty to admire about Terrell’s game. Reducing penalties and explosive plays allowed in big matchups, like against Jaxon Smith-Njigba, would do wonders for him becoming an All-Pro again.
Mike Hughes
The veteran cornerback couldn’t quite replicate the success he had in 2024. There was concern about how Hughes would acclimate to playing more man coverage in Ulbrich’s defense after playing mostly zone coverage under Jimmy Lake. Hughes is more suited to playing in space and covering what is in front of him. His dependability as an instinctual open-field tackler helped the defense find some stability within a largely unstable unit in 2024.
While he wasn’t a glaring liability in Ulbrich’s system, it was evident that the Falcons needed a cornerback better suited to pressing wide receivers at the line of scrimmage and handling being isolated outside the numbers. Hughes allowed three completions of 40+ yards, where he couldn’t stay step-for-step with the opposing receiver. That includes Deebo Samuel blistering past him for a 24-yard touchdown on fourth down. Hughes is a capable player, but it’s difficult to see the defense elevating itself into the upper echelon with him as a starter. The current trajectory of Ulbrich’s group should have them assessing credible options to start over the former first-round pick in 2026.
Dee Alford
Not many could have imagined Alford reviving his career in Atlanta following a disastrous 2024 season. There are countless things Ulbrich can be proud of in 2025. Helping Alford regain his confidence and play within a scheme better suited to his skill set was massive for a cornerback group that became decimated. Instead of sitting in zones and constantly processing what is in front of him, the former CFL star was allowed to play more aggressively and battle with opposing wide receivers across the field in man coverage.
Where Alford showed genuine growth in his game came from making highlight-reel plays while in Cover 2 and Cover 4. His three interceptions occurred against Buffalo, Tampa Bay, and New Orleans, where he read the opposing quarterback’s eyes and closed in on the attempted pass with terrific anticipation and athleticism. All three of those plays proved crucial in victories, including a playoff spot for Carolina. While he is still liable for allowing big plays downfield, Alford reinserted himself as a capable player who can play both inside and outside. His progress will earn him a nice contract next month. It’s uncertain whether a new deal will come from Atlanta because of its lengthy list of free agents.
Billy Bowman Jr.
It was a small sample size, with some fortunate moments where coverage busts didn’t lead to explosive plays, but Bowman Jr. left a lasting impression in his rookie season. The sheer aggression and savvy plays helped set the tone for a defense playing with a new attack-minded edge. Several moments showcased Bowman Jr.’s ability to make instinctual plays, from closing down players in a flash for minimal gains to cleverly anticipating routes. The six games he played in featured moments where it felt like the Falcons found a true gem at a crucial position.
Bowman Jr. is still a work in progress handling slot man coverage responsibilities. There were bound to be difficult moments, given his lack of experience in playing that position full-time. The shortcomings in those areas are forgivable when a young player is still learning and making notable impacts elsewhere. What Bowman Jr. provides as a ballhawk, blitzer, and run defender makes him someone to believe in. Forcing negative plays and turnovers is pivotal for a group in the process of finding its true identity. Bowman Jr. was one of the driving forces behind their success when he was on the field.
Other contributors
Several other cornerbacks were pressed into action because of injuries suffered by all four primary cornerbacks. C.J. Henderson was the biggest standout in securing a game-sealing interception against Arizona. Some of his biggest attributes in man coverage and as a tackler, which made him a top ten pick back in 2020, were on display during his three games as a Falcon. Keith Taylor Jr. filled in admirably against a Colts’ offense, firing on all cylinders, when the teams squared off in Germany. It was surprising he wasn’t given more opportunities.
Natrone Brooks showed great promise in limited reps in 2024. That didn’t translate when the defense needed him against Carolina. From allowing a 36-yard touchdown to Xavier Legette on a go ball to missing a crucial open-field tackle on Tommy Tremble after going for the punch out, Brooks made game-changing errors. That includes fumbling on a kickoff return, which led to a Carolina touchdown. That game ended up being one of the main reasons why Carolina won the NFC South. Cobee Bryant didn’t fare much better when facing Tampa Bay, but there are understandable reasons for his struggles. It’s hard to expect much from an undrafted cornerback in isolated matchups against Evans. Bryant did flash some upside with his length and closing speed.
2026 Outlook
There is plenty to be excited about with this positional group. While the futures of Hughes and Alford will be addressed, it’s incredibly exciting to have two cornerbacks who should be difference makers in their respective roles. Terrell is coming off another impressive season in the prime of his career. Bowman Jr. possesses all the intangibles to be a terrific defensive back.
Will they re-sign Alford? Does Hughes get released? What happens if another team offers more for Alford than the front office expected? Is another cornerback brought in to compete with Hughes for the left outside cornerback starting role? Those are the questions that must be asked during the offseason. This can be one of the biggest positional strengths on the roster if they decide to make changes opposite Terrell. An upgrade could do wonders for a secondary that has one of the NFL’s top safety tandems.
