The Falcons have selected Clark Phillips III from the University of Utah with the No. 113 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Read on to learn more about the Falcons' fourth-round pick:
Position: Cornerback
Height: 5-foot-9
Weight: 184 pounds
School: Utah
2022 stats: 24 tackles | 12 passes defensed | 6 INTs | 2 TFLs
Honors: Unanimous All-American, First-team All-Pac-12, Team captain, Lead Pac-12 in INTS
We take a look at Clark Phillips III in action prior to being selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2023 NFL Draft, presented by Wells Fargo.
Utah cornerback Clark Phillips III (1) runs off the field during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Southern Utah Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Utah cornerback Clark Phillips III (8) returns an interception for a touchdown against Washington State during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Utah cornerback Clark Phillips III (1) catches a pass before the start of their NCAA college football game against San Diego State Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Utah cornerback Clark Phillips III (1) looks on before the start of their NCAA college football game against San Diego State Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
San Diego State wide receiver Elijah Kothe (96) is tackled by Utah cornerback Clark Phillips III (8) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Utah cornerback Clark Phillips III (1) looks on before the start of their NCAA college football game against San Diego State Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Utah Utes cornerback Clark Phillips III (8) lines up on defense during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021 in Provo, Utah. (AP Photo/Tyler Tate)
Utah cornerback Clark Phillips III (1) follows a play during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Florida, Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Utah cornerback Clark Phillips III (1) runs to the ball during an NCAA football game against Florida on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022 in Gainesville, Fla. Florida defeated Utah 29-26. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)
Instant analysis: One of our players to target on Day 3 of the 2023 NFL Draft, Clark Phillips III leaves Utah for Atlanta where he'll join fellow cornerbacks A.J. Terrell, Jeff Okudah and Mike Hughes.
Because of his size, only 5-foot-9, Phillips best fit could be in the slot. After Isaiah Oliver left in free agency, the Falcons were without a true nickel. They went out and signed Mike Hughes to a two-year deal in free agency, but they can get out of it after one if they choose. He, too, has the ability to play inside, but perhaps isn't the long-term answer at the position. As a fourth round pick, maybe Phillips could develop into that long-term vision.
Though a Day 3 pick, many draft analysts sought out Phillips as a second round pick with starting potential because of what he did for Utah in 2022. He was electric, leading the Pac-12 in interceptions, two of which were long touchdown returns. Though he may not be the tallest or biggest cornerback on the field, he does have ball skills that should not be overlooked.
What's next: The Falcons are scheduled to make two more selections on Saturday, at Nos. 224 and 225.
Check back for more photos and highlights of the latest Falcons draft pick.
