The Atlanta Falcons are bracing for an intense competition in their secondary during the 2025 training camp, particularly for the Nickel cornerback position. Dee Alford, who started 11 games last season, struggled with consistency, leading the Falcons to draft Xavier Watts and Billy Bowman Jr. this offseason. While Watts is primarily a safety, Bowman Jr. is expected to challenge Alford for the starting spot, with a focus on his aggressive play style.

Despite showing potential, Alford's performance in 2023 did not translate into the expected advancement in 2024, placing increased pressure on him as well as on the newcomers. With Atlanta’s newfound depth, the competition promises to enhance the defensive backfield, vital for competing in the NFC South.