Winners and losers head to minicamps for the Atlanta Falcons

OTAs are officially over and mandatory minicamps for the Atlanta Falcons are upon us! It’s the last chance rookies, bottom-of-the-roster veterans and undrafted free agents have to impress the coaching staff before the intermission between spring team activities and the grueling summers of training camp. For some, they spent their spring and early summer getting in the good graces of the new coaching staff led by head coach Raheem Morris, while others may have missed an opportunity gold to secure a spot on the 53-man roster. Today we explore the biggest winners and losers as we get closer and closer to when the feet meet the ball on September 8th.

Winner – CB Clark Phillips III

There can’t be a bigger winner right now than second-year cornerback Clark Phillips III. It’s clear he’s starting to run away with the CB2 position, even though he doesn’t meet the usual length requirements needed for a Morris and Jimmy Lake defense. Phillips’ instincts and coverage ability were his calling cards in the league and were thought to be better utilized as a slot player. However, with Dee Alford fortifying this place. Phillips has clearly gotten to where Morris and Lake just can’t sit him.

That’s not to say the job is entirely his, with new arrivals Mike Hughes and Kevin King still nipping at Phillips’ heels. But for now, it’s up to CP3 to lose the job.

Loser – RB Jase McClellan

It’s never fun to hear about someone missing out because of an opportunity, but it seems bleak when it’s a newbie. Jase McClellan missed the OTA period with an unspecified injury before the draft and will see his first NFL action in training camp.

All is not lost for McClellan. He is still a top talent and will compete for that final RB3 spot with Carlos Washington, Jr. Avery Williams is almost locked into making the roster due to his special teams and return ability, especially with the facility new kick-off rules.

Not having that opportunity to develop chemistry with the offensive line and backfield and not having those reps on the field with the offense makes it an uphill climb for McClellan.

Winner – QB Kirk Cousins

Seeing Kirk Cousins ​​healthy, throwing the football in tight windows and feeling like the Achilles injury won’t hamper his abilities feels like a victory in itself. But the big win is the silence that surrounds the Falcons facility right now, as Cousins ​​has taken complete control of that locker room and dampened any talk of a potential QB controversy (even if his name on the dotted line d ‘a guaranteed $100 million contract should have done it). that for him).

Cousins ​​seems to have the same happy, fatherly feeling that made him beloved by his Minnesota teammates, mixed with that veteran leadership that made him the top quarterback option during the agency period free this year. The Falcons go where Cousins ​​goes, so seeing him comfortable in Flowery Branch this early is a good sign for the 2024 season.

Loser – Rookie Hype

Correct me if I’m wrong, but there hasn’t been much hype around the rookie class as usual before mandatory minicamp. Given that five of the eight rookies need pads to really show off their abilities, and one of the other four is a quarterback, who we probably won’t see until 2026, this makes sense.

The only hype we’re getting right now is regarding sixth-round receiver Casey Washington, and while it’s good to see a late third-day pick getting his flowers, it’s been a bit quiet. Hopefully with the pads, there’s more talk about these rookies and their potential impact in 2024.

Winner – Optimism

Let’s leave here on a good note:

Atlanta projects as one of the best offensive cores in the league, with some of the best high-end talent, from arguably the best guard in football to a top-five running back, all while being extraordinarily healthy *touch wood* this off-season.

There should be a lot of optimism right now in Flowery Branch, and for good reason.