Are the Falcons set at cornerback in 2017?

The Falcons have invested three high round picks into cornerback over the last four years, and it looks likely that all three will work out to some degree. Desmond Trufant is one of the best in the business, Robert Alford is a very good player, and we've seen flashes of the physicality and coverage chops that Jalen Collins is supposed to bring to this team.

When we talk about the Falcons potentially being set at cornerback next season, which is today's topic du jour, it's not entirely about those picks. The Falcons could lose Alford to free agency this coming year, which would mean a larger role for Collins. You still can't get by with just two cornerbacks, and that's where the team has done shrewd, important work.

Take Brian Poole. The undrafted rookie has more than held his own as the team's frequent choice at nickelback, showing advanced coverage skills and aggressive play for a guy who did'nt even hear his name called on draft day. And then there's C.J. Goodwin, who has a ways to go but is light years ahead of where he should be after he converted to corner from wide receiver over the summer. Both are fairly young, promising players.

Throw in 2015 seventh rounder Akeem King, who should be back in action next summer after landing on injured reserve, and you have five cornerbacks under the age of 30 with at least some promise. You may see outlets projecting a cornerback to the Falcons in the first round, but that's only because they haven't been paying attention. This is a set of cornerbacks this team can certainly get by with, even if Alford does wind up leaving.

The Falcons will have a lot of needs on defense again in 2017, but thanks to some smart (and maybe lucky) moves in recent years, I do think they're set at CB outside of perhaps a late round draft pick. That's a good feeling.