Hot seat: Falcons cornerback Kendall Sheffield

Expectations were high for Falcons cornerback Kendall Sheffield coming into the season.

He’d had a strong rookie season at nickel back, but was going to compete for the right cornerback spot. Going into the regular-season finale at 1 p.m. Sunday at Tampa Bay, he’ll be on the hot seat against Tom Brady and his receivers.

Sheffield, who gave up the game-winning touchdown catch against the Chiefs, had failed to met expectations.

“The athletic ability is definitely there,” Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich said. “It would have been a fantastic year to have OTAs, minicamp and a real training camp and exhibition games to get the work necessary for him to really have a smoother transition out there.”

A foot injury held Sheffield back from competing with Isaiah Oliver for the starting spot.

“That definitely just took turns away that were necessary and needed,” Ulbrich said. “Although he is a young player and even at Ohio State and through Alabama (before Ohio State), he hasn’t played a ton. Not as much as the typical guy. He just needs turns.”

Once Sheffield got healthy, he played outside.

He’s played in 12 games and made eight starts. He doesn’t have an interception and has given up 45 completions on 63 targets (71.4%) for 632 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterbacks have a 114 passer rating when targeting Sheffield.

Receivers have 414 yards in the air and 218 yards after the catch on Sheffield. He has 46 tackles and four missed tackles.

“I just felt like early on in the year because of the lack of reps and not being as comfortable as he’s been, he did not play to the standard he’s capable of playing or we’re capable of seeing him play,” Ulbrich said. “But I felt that this last four-game block, he’s starting to get his feet underneath him. He’s starting to flash the athletic stuff that we know he has. He’s starting to feel more comfortable outside.”

The Falcons still believe Sheffield has a future outside at cornerback.

“He’s got a bright future,” Ulbrich said. “He really does. He just needs experience and time, combine that with the athletic stuff that he has, he can be a really good corner.”

Falcons’ 2021 draft position

1. Jacksonville Jaguars

2. New York Jets

3. Miami Dolphins (via Houston)

4. Falcons

5. Cincinnati Bengals

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