ESPN's Matt Bowen listed out ideal landing spots for 14 top free agents that are still on the market. One of which was 31-year-old cornerback from the Houston Texans, Steven Nelson. Bowen believes that the ten-year veteran Nelson could end up being a perfect scheme fit for the Atlanta Falcons.
Last season in Houston, Nelson tied a career high with four interceptions and also had seven pass breakups. At his best when he can key inside to read the quarterback, he's a fit for coach Raheem Morris' scheme, which tends to be more zone-heavy. In 2023 with the Rams, Morris' unit played zone coverage on 60.1% of opponent dropbacks, majoring in split-safety zone and Cover 3. This is a good spot for Nelson, and it'd give the Falcons more veteran competition in camp.
That 60% rate of zone coverage feels like a perfect number for this year's iteration of the Falcons, as there are still certain questions surrounding the cornerback room. With the addition of Nelson, Atlanta's defense could take the proper steps to becoming a prime contender in the NFC.