Called in post-draft conversations a 'huge steal,' the talk moving forward about Clark Phillips has to be about production. How soon will the defensive back play for the Atlanta Falcons?
“He’s gonna get a lot of time as their nickel back really from the 2023 season on," NFL draft analyst Tony Pauline said to The Morning Shift Wednesday when talking about the fourth-round draft pick Phillips. "I thought this was one of the better values in the entire draft.”
Pauline, like a lot of draft analysts, believes the Utah cornerback is “one of the biggest steals in the draft.” So even though the Falcons did bring in free agent cornerback Mike Hughes to be their starting slot corner, Phillips could cause some major competition for that spot.
Phillips was a late second-round, early third-round talent according to Pauline, but his 5-foot-8 stature caused him to slide into the fourth round. However, the good news for the Falcons is that his ball skills and competitive nature will overshadow his height and allow him to be a rookie that could make an immediate impact on a Falcons team that is striving to make the postseason for the first time since 2017.
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