The Atlanta Falcons announced their release of veteran corner, Casey Hayward, after a failed physical. Hayward had spent the last few months recovering from a pectoral injury that ended his 2022 season in Week 6. Hayward's release could spell good fortune and opportunity for the newly acquired corner from Detroit, Jeff Okudah.
Chris Thomas spoke with Falcons Insider, Joe Patrick, on Saturday and asked if Jeff Okudah was a lock to be that second corner across from AJ Terrell. Joe Patrick thinks he has a great chance.
Joe Patrick stated that Jeff Okudah is the "presumed starter" but the job will not just be handed to Okudah, "It will depend on what they plan on doing with that 8th spot."
Hayward's release set off an alarm to many that the Falcons could be looking to go corner in the draft with that 8th pick. While still a possibility, the Falcons, who have totaled just 40 sacks in the last two seasons, are likely to use that pick to address the edge rusher position.
Okudah is the newest addition to a revamped Falcons' secondary, that also added star safety, Jessie Bates. The former Buckeye had dealt with injuries his first two seasons in Detroit, but in year three was able to start in 15 games and recorded the first interception and forced fumble of his career.
Adding a young, talented corner, who no longer is shouldering the large expectations of being a first-round pick, with Falcons' star corner, AJ Terrell, and Jessie Bates, is a recipe for the making of the best secondary in the NFL