Falcons 'Really High' on Rookie DB Amidst Slow Start

Smith noted similar feelings for veteran cornerback Mike Hughes while raving about the entire defensive backfield, which has played at a high level this season.

With cornerbacks A.J. Terrell and Jeff Okudah, nickel corner Dee Alford and safeties Jessie Bates III and Richie Grant, the Falcons have an impressive collection of talent currently humming well together.

And so, Phillips' lack of playing time isn't a sign that he's struggling or falling behind; apart from their three starting corners, Atlanta has Tre Flowers as its backup on the perimeter, while Hughes is used as the primary punt returner in addition to providing versatility with his experience playing inside and outside.

Thus, if Phillips is active on Sundays, it means the Falcons are forced to carry six corners, which may not fit into the game plan each week and therefore puts the 5-10, 183-pound rookie firmly on the bubble of seeing the field.

However, rather than viewing this situation as a negative, Smith flipped the script, pointing out how it illustrates the depth Atlanta has in the secondary.

"We went from where we felt we lacked depth to – I mean, we’ve got some really good football players," Smith said. "We feel really good about the depth there. It’s a good problem to have. We feel like we’ve got secondary depth."

In years past, it's possible Phillips would've been forced into a big role early as a rookie, with the Falcons having no other options ... but with Alford in the midst of a stellar campaign and the rest of the secondary set in stone, there's just not a pathway to consistent playing time currently available.

And really, this scenario reflects just how far Atlanta's grown as a team - and should only benefit Phillips in the long run, with Smith confident he'll grow into an impact player.

The Falcons - with Phillips hopeful to make his defensive debut - return to action Sunday with a home game against the Washington Commanders. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. EST inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.