PFF's lead draft analyst Trevor Sikkema labels the Atlanta Falcons' cornerback unit as one of the least improved units after the 2024 NFL Draft. This was in the same article that labeled the Falcons defensive line as one of the most improved units post-NFL draft.
The Falcons drafted a lot of defensive linemen in Rounds 2 through 4, as they had to get much better up front, especially in the pass-rush department. However, they also needed cornerback help and did not address that in the 2024 draft. If they struggle at that position in 2024, the Penix pick could be heavily scrutinized.
As Sikkema showed, this isn't as much about ignoring the cornerback position, which they did, it's about the cost of not addressing any premier positions that can help the 2024 iteration of the Falcons. As Atlanta continues to navigate this experimental team-building strategy, some contingencies will be neglected, and the cornerback position happens to be at the forefront of that.
With the lack of depth at the position, they are one injury away from having a serious problem in the secondary and there aren't many avenues where they can significantly improve in free agency.
