Clark Phillips III entered the competition for a starting cornerback position with high expectations, having been viewed as the favorite earlier in the spring. However, he ultimately lost the battle to Mike Hughes, who outperformed him during training camp. Despite this setback, Phillips's potential remains recognized, but his limited experience compared to Hughes—61 fewer games played—was a significant factor in the Falcons' decision. The coaching staff values Hughes's seasoned understanding of the game, which gives him an edge in speed of play and situational awareness.