Atlanta Falcons Training Camp: Rookie Progress Report

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Rookie defensive backs Demond Trufant and Robert Alford or the Atlanta Falcons are making an impact early on, as they are going up against one of the best NFL receiving tandems today.

Training camp has been extremely tough on both Trufant and Alford, especially trying to defend Roddy White and Julio Jones, who are arguably two of the best receivers in the league. Though it has been a challenge, coach Mike Smith and his staff are very impressed in how the two corners are carrying themselves from practice to practice.

While Smith understands that asking his rookie corners to defend against two elite receivers is a harsh welcome back to the NFL, he believes that this is a valuable experience that will challenge them to be their very best.

Although Jones and White are having their way for the most part against the rookies, Jones believes that they have everything they need to succeed in the NFL. One thing that Smith loves about his new corners is their “Swagger”. Both Alford and Trufant play with a lot of confidence and are forming a bond that has the coaching staff excited.

While Alford is behind Asante Samuel for left cornerback, Trufant is fighting Robert McClain for the starting job at right cornerback.

Playing defensive back in the NFL is one of the more harder positions. With wide receivers being taller, faster and more athletic than ever before, it has become quite difficult to cover hybrid receivers unless one is named Darrell Revis.

With Trufant and Alford however, Smith and the Falcons will be expecting them to contribute to the secondary right away, as they will be counted on to help in what has become a passing league.

Even though it has only been a couple of days, the Falcons’ top two picks have been impressive so far, and will carry the expectations to continue being an impact player not only in 2013, but down the road as well.

Daniel Chi is an NFL writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DanielChi24, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google+