He performed a team-high 457 snaps within the slot and struggled at occasions. Per knowledge from PFF, in 13 video games, Alford allowed a completion on 70.3% of his targets and a 106.8 passer ranking, 27.6 factors above common.
However as proven on his almost-touchdown, he has playmaking capacity. Assistant head coach Jerry Grey lately said Alford “has taken one other step” this offseason. After solely two years within the league, it might be silly to put in writing him off.
Hughes, a six-year veteran, changed Alford because the group’s beginning slot nook in Week 12, a job he held in 4 of Atlanta’s final six video games.
He was focused 18 occasions, permitting 10 receptions for 98 yards (9.8 yards per catch) throughout that span. During the team’s June minicamp, he labored with the beginning unit because the No. 2 nook.
Outdoors linebacker (3-4 protection)
Projected starters: Arnold Ebiketie, Lorenzo Carter
Gamers to look at: Bralen Trice, DeAngelo Malone
Ebiketie, coming into his third season out of Penn State, is Atlanta’s finest returning edge rusher and is penciled in at No. 1 on the depth chart. Carter, a six-year veteran, would possibly begin camp with the first-team protection, however he ought to have competitors.
Trice’s growth might be fascinating to look at, notably in comparison with first-round edge rushers Dallas Turner and Laiatu Latu, gamers the Falcons handed on to pick backup quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 general choose in April’s draft.
He has the instruments, most notably lateral quickness, to be a robust pass-rusher, permitting him to capitalize on stunts and bull rushes when crashing into the inside of the pocket, reminiscent of on this sack allowed by Packers 2024 first-round choose offensive sort out Jordan Morgan on Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita.