The Atlanta Falcons have released their third official depth chart of training camp and while most of the starting spots are assumed, a pair of rookies standout in their spots with the team. The Falcons drafted Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford to be essential pieces to a defense that lost a handful of talent at the cornerback spot. The two rookies have been competing with one another week in and week out and as of now, Trufant has the upper hand.
The battle between Trufant and Alford has only continued to hit up as both rookies get more NFL experience under their belts. Head coach Mike Smith notes that going up against two of the best receivers in the league in Julio Jones and Roddy White have certainly helped in their development.
As training camp is officially over and the team begins to establish an official depth chart, it is Trufant that appears to have won the first couple rounds of battle. Defensive coordinator has praised Trufant for his ability to pick up the defensive scheme quickly and credits that to his family. Trufant comes from a long line of NFL players. Both of his brothers are active in the league and have helped influence Trufant's growth.
"(Trufant is) certainly not struggling. He's doing a very good job," Nolan said, via the team website. "He's working with the first group, but I think he's doing a very good job for a rookie. He's picking up things up real well. He's an intelligent player. We knew that when we drafted him. Physically, he's gifted, as well. I think his experiences from a family standpoint with his brothers playing in the NFL, the NFL is not too big for him."
As of now, Alford remains with the second-team, behind Trufant, Asante Samuel and Robert McClain. Everything is of course subject to change in the next three weeks before the season really kicks off.
Another player in the mix on the depth chart is linebacker Brian Banks. At this point, even the most casual NFL fan knows Banks story and right now his fight continues to make the 53-man roster. A true fan favorite at this point, the linebacker ranks third on the middle linebacker section of the depth chart.
Both Smith and Nolan have been highly complementary over Banks' development in the league and ability to pick things up quickly despite his many years away from the game. The issue will be that both Paul Worrilow and Joplo Bartu have really emerged during training camp, limiting Banks' time on the field.
Banks continues to make an impact on and off the field and most Falcons fans and football fans in general are rooting for his success. His chances are certainly not great, but the team's front office loves his attitude which could really go a long way in the end.