Falcons sign DB Clark Phillips III to rookie deal

The Atlanta Falcons now have two-thirds of their 2023 NFL draft class under contract after signing fourth-round pick Clark Phillips III on Friday. Phillips, who had six interceptions during his final season at Utah in 2022, should bring some versatility and play-making ability to the Falcons secondary.

Atlanta also signed seventh-round pick Jovaughn Gwyn Friday afternoon, which comes one day after the team inked first-round pick Bijan Robinson and seventh-rounder DeMarcco Hellams.

As for Phillips, many view him as a steal for the Falcons in the fourth round. Here’s what Touchdown Wire’s Doug Farrar had to say about the former Utah standout following the 2023 draft:

He may not fit everyone’s prototype at 5-foot-9 and 184 pounds, but he proved more than able to shut down some of the NCAA’s best receivers both outside and in the slot. Last season, Phillips allowed 41 catches on 66 targets for 511 yards, 286 yards after the catch, four touchdowns, six interceptions, four pass breakups, and an opponent passer rating of 68.4.

Second-round pick Matthew Bergeron and third-round pick Zach Harrison each remain unsigned as the team goes through rookie minicamp.

.@ClarkPhillips21: Locked in ✍️

— Red Stallions (@AtlantaFalcons) May 12, 2023