Robert Alford

Alford has become a staple of the Falcons defense by starting in 15-plus games over each of the past three seasons, last year establishing career highs with 20 passes defended and 65 tackles. Entering his sixth year in the league, the 5-10 Alford merits consideration as one of the league's premier No. 2 cornerbacks. In 2017, he allowed just 38.2 percent of targets thrown in his direction to be completed, while ranking 19th at the position in yards allowed after catch, per Bleacher Report.

Alford has been a model of consistency ever since entering the league four years ago and stepping right into a starting role, as he's tallied at least 30 tackles and two interceptions in each of his first four seasons. Last season was his most productive, as he set a career high with 61 total tackles, and he had a pick-six for the second consecutive campaign. The Falcons have been pleased with what they've seen from Alford, and they rewarded him with a four-year deal in December of 2016. He will continue to line up opposite Desmond Trufant at cornerback, and another season with between 40-70 tackles and a couple of interceptions is certainly in the cards.

Alford continued to improve in his third season in the league, setting a career high with 53 tackles and scoring his first touchdown on an interception return. He has plenty of value in IDP leagues, and a 60-70 tackle season with a few interceptions is certainly in range.

Alford enters training camp as a starting cornernack, but he could be replaced by rookie Jalen Collins, who the Falcons selected with their second round pick in 2015. Should Collins win the job, Alford would likely handle the nickel duties. If Alford can hold down the job for the entire season, he could be in line for 50-70 tackles and a few interceptions.

Alford is expected to start at cornerback opposite Desmond Trufant in 2014. The team parted ways with Asante Samuel in the offseason, and Alford, a second round pick just a year ago, will be called upon to fill the void. He tallied 40 tackles and two interceptions in a limited role last season, so expect those numbers to increase with more playing time this year.

Alford will back up both Asante Samuel and Desmond Trufant at corner in 2013, and he will be used in some nickel and dime packages. He'll be groomed to take over for Samuel once the veteran moves on.