NE Atlanta News

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The question of who will start at cornerback opposite A.J. Terrell remains a focal point for the Atlanta Falcons as they head into training camp. Mike Hughes and Clark Phillips III have been alternating reps in the competition for the second starting role.

"Friendly competition brings out the best in all of us," Hughes stated. "Not shying away from that is going to help everybody."

Hughes initially played with the first team during May's media-open training sessions, while Phillips stepped up in subsequent weeks, especially when Terrell and Hughes were absent. Both players saw action with the starting group during the Falcons' mandatory minicamp practice.

Last season, Hughes was often positioned at nickel back and also contributed on special teams. This year, he expressed a willingness to play any role that contributes to the team's success.

"I love to win, so whatever I could do to help my team win," Hughes said. "I'm all in for it."

With no clear frontrunner emerging as minicamp concluded, the competition will continue into late July's training camp.

The coaching staff holds both players in high regard. Head coach Raheem Morris praised Phillips after his offseason performance filling in for Terrell.

"You love the nature of the human; he's just built for football and you can just tell," Morris said. "He's got a little bit of alien to him in that way. That's what I love about that young man."

Falcons secondary coach Justin Hood also commended Hughes, noting his leadership and experience.

"He's a good football player. He's smart in the meeting room. He's a leader," Hood remarked. "You forget that he's been around for a while, right? He's been fun to coach and be around and pick his brain."

Hughes enters his seventh NFL season with 72 career games under his belt, including 22 starts, 199 tackles, 21 pass breakups, seven forced fumbles, and three interceptions. In contrast, Phillips is entering his sophomore campaign after finishing last season strong with five pass breakups over five starts.

Despite their competition for the starting position, Hughes remains supportive of younger teammates like Phillips.

"As long as we just come out here willing to help everybody and showing these young guys the ropes," Hughes said, "it brings out the best of us."

Ultimately, this friendly competition aims to identify the best candidate for the second cornerback position.

"I know what I can bring to the table; I know ways that I can help this team," Hughes concluded. "Whatever coach needs me to do — I'll do it. I just want to come in every day ready to work and whatever happens, happens."