Although cornerback isn't the most pressing need for the Falcons, it's a position Atlanta could certainly add depth too in this year's draft.
Desmond Trufant returns for the 2019 season and, for now, it appears Isaiah Oliver will likely start on the opposite side. Oliver, Atlanta's second-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, started two games in his rookie season recording one interception and 23 tackles. The Falcons recently released veteran cornerback Robert Alford, who started 76 games for the Falcons in six seasons.
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With that in mind, here are some cornerbacks who I think could be fits for the Falcons:
1. Deandre Baker, Georgia
Baker is viewed as one of – if not the top – cornerbacks in this year's draft class. Although he's on the relatively smaller side in terms of his physical frame (5-foot-11, 185 pounds), his ball skills and competitiveness help him overcome any potential shortcomings. Since 2017, Baker hasn't allowed a touchdown and recorded five interceptions. His biggest strengths are his instincts in coverage and his ability to read routes. If the top-rated offensive and defensive linemen are off the board when the No. 14 pick comes around, don't be surprised if the Falcons go with Baker.
2. Rock Ya-Sin, Temple
**Praised for his physicality, Ya-Sin has exactly what Dan Quinn wants more of in his defense. The Decatur, Ga., native transferred to Temple as a graduate student in 2018 where he recorded 12 pass breakups, 47 tackles and two interceptions. Ya-Sin doesn't have the experience some of other corners in this class do in terms of competition against top receivers, but his physical traits and what he showed in his one year as an Owl gives the impression that in the right system with the right coaching, Ya-Sin's career could take off.
3. Amani Oruwariye, Penn State
At 6-foot-2, 205 pounds, Oruwariye's physical presence is imposing. The Falcons like cornerbacks with length in their defensive system. Oruwariye earned first-team all-conference honors after leading the Nittany Lions with 12 pass break-ups in 2018. In his final two seasons at Penn State, he recorded seven interceptions. He's an ideal fit as an outside cornerback who also excels in press coverage. With just one season as a full-time starter, Oruwariye has the potential and with more experience he could develop into a lockdown cornerback on the outside.
