Brian

Poole

It’s a needed depth signing with Marshon Lattimore facing a possible suspension. Poole, 28, was limited to nine games before landing on IR with a knee injury but graded out positively from the slot at PFF the past two seasons. Even if Lattimore avoids suspension, the 28-year-old should open the season in a sub-package role.

Poole must miss at least the next three weeks. The move comes the same day the Jets cut Pierre Desir. The Jets’ slot corner, Poole has been having a strong year for a bad defense. ESPN’s Rich Cimini now projects the Jets’ cornerback group as Bless Austin and Lamar Jackson on one side. For the other, Bryce Hall, Javelin Guidry and Corey Ballentine. Then in the slot, Art Maulet. The tank is strong in this one.

Poole must miss at least the next three weeks. The move comes the same day the Jets cut Pierre Desir. The Jets’ slot corner, Poole has been having a strong year for a bad defense. ESPN’s Rich Cimini now projects the Jets’ cornerback group as Bless Austin and Lamar Jackson on one side. For the other, Bryce Hall, Javelin Guidry and Corey Ballentine. Then in the slot, Art Maulet. The tank is strong in this one.

It’s a one-year ‘prove it’ deal following the 27-year-old’s (surprising) breakout. Poole unexpectedly finished with sterling marks across 750 defensive snaps for the Jets this past year, grading as Pro Football Focus’ No. 9 corner among 207 qualifiers at his position. He allowed a single score on 53 targets over 14 appearances last season and is fully expected to walk back into slot duties in the team’s 2020 season opener.

Poole will slide into Buster Skrine’s old spot in the slot. A restricted free agent, Poole was not tendered an offer by the Falcons. Unusually, he then received more money than he would have under his tender. Poole was good but not great as the Falcons’ primary nickel back over the past three years. More than anything, he will be bringing experience and durability to the slot for Gang Green.

Poole will now become an unrestricted free agent when the new league year opens March 13. The former UDFA has been the Falcons’ full-time nickel corner since entering the league, playing 1,032 snaps as a rookie, 742 in 2017, and 832 last season. The Falcons are undergoing a significant shakeup in their defensive backfield after already releasing starting CB Robert Alford.

Poole has an opportunity with Jalen Collins serving a four-game suspension to begin the year. Poole has also been taking snaps at safety. His 53-man roster odds are looking good. C.J. Goodwin, Demarcus Van Dyke and Akeem King are also in the mix for No. 3 corner duties.

Poole (5'9, 213) made an inspired decision in picking the Falcons upon entering this year’s rendition of UDFA Roulette. The former five-star recruit is nothing more than a potential NFL slot, but that’s exactly what Atlanta could use with Jalen Collins serving a four-game suspension to begin the year. Poole is short, comes with average speed and he can be high-pointed, but he’s also an extremely clever slot corner who crowds receivers, reads quarterbacks and breaks up more than his fair share of throws.

It’s significant, as No. 1 CB Desmond Trufant is being evaluated for a concussion. Poole is the Falcons’ No. 3/nickel back. Sharrod Neasman appears to be finishing the game in the slot.

Poole is “probable,” though that’s no longer an official designation, so he should play Thursday night. Poole covers the slot for the Falcons where Michael Thomas lines up 20% of the time. LCB Desmond Trufant will also play.