The Atlanta Falcons are being asked to make another defensive addition

THE Atlanta Falcons are excited about the potential of young cornerback Clark Phillips III. But Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder apparently isn’t as confident.

Holder argued on May 25 that the final decision the Falcons should make this offseason is to add a veteran cornerback to start opposite AJ Terrell.

“Clark Phillips III is currently expected to play on the other side of AJ Terrell, but Phillips lacks size and profile better than a nickel back,” Holder wrote. “So kicking someone like Steven Nelson or Stephon Gilmore could help Atlanta win the division this fall.”

Both Nelson and Gilmore are free agents and have at least nine years of NFL experience. Gilmore is also a former Defensive Player of the Year and two-time All-Pro.

Earlier this week, ESPN’s Matt Bowen said the Falcons were “the best fit” for Nelson.

It also doesn’t have to be Nelson/Gilmore or a bust for the Falcons. Other younger but more expensive options such as Xavien Howard, JC Jackson and Adoree’ Jackson are available. As does Cameron Sutton, who could be dirt cheap if the Falcons are willing to overlook his allegations of domestic battery (they probably shouldn’t).

But as things currently stand during OTAs, the Falcons seem comfortable with Phillips as their starting outside cornerback.

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“Really excited about Clark,” head coach Raheem Morris said on May 14. “He put up some elite moves. I’m really excited about the young man and the player in terms of what he can potentially do.”

Although inexperienced, youth could be an advantage for Phillips this season. His youth means that, unlike aging cornerbacks such as Nelson and Gilmore, he has lost none of his speed. The question is whether Morris and new Falcons defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake can maximize his total potential.

A year ago, in his draft profile, NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein called Phillips a “playmaker,” comparing him to longtime NFL cornerback Mike Hilton.

Hilton posted 11.5 sacks, 54 tackles for loss and 12 interceptions during his seven-year career.

It’s important to note, however, that Hilton is a cornerback. Zierlein expected in Phillips’ preliminary scouting report that he would also play in the slot.

“Phillips uses aggressive angles to look for takeaways” Zierlein wrote. “He’s tough, smart and knows how to play.

“He should develop into a solid cornerback, but his success could be tied to week-to-week matchups.”

But more than likely, the only way Phillips plays primarily in the slot this season is if the Falcons follow Holder’s advice and add a starting cornerback.