After the Falcons first OTA session, cornerback Brandon Boykin worked out for the team’s scouts and coaches on Monday.
Boykin, who played at Georgia and is from Fayetteville, has played with Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. He was recently released by Carolina.
Boykin looked fine back-pedaling for 7 yards and then making turns under the direction of cornerbacks coach Marquand Manuel. He was also fluid while running a post-corner route and then leaping high for the pass.
It appeared that assistant general manager Scott Pioli was in charge of the workout and the assessment of Boykin’s skill level.
Falcons coach Dan Quinn was impressed.
“We haven’t talked medically and that kind of stuff,” Quinn said. “But you could tell that he was rocked-up for sure and was really quick.”
Boykin was released by the Panthers on May 17th. He had some interest from the Falcons before signing with Carolina in March.
The Panthers drafted three cornerbacks and after signing six tryout players, they didn’t have any room for Boykin, who’s been a solid nickel back when he’s had the opportunity to play in the NFL.
Boykin, 5-foot-9 and 183 pounds, had interest from three other teams before signing with the Panthers. The Falcons had Leon Hall in for a visit, but have decided to go in another direction after reviewing his medical records.
Boykin, who was a fourth-round pick by Philadelphia in 2012, had seven interceptions in three seasons with the Eagles, including six in his second season. Last season with Pittsburgh, he played mostly on special teams and backup duty.
The Falcons plan to move Robert Alford to nickel back and are hoping that Jalen Collins can win the right cornerback spot. However, Collins must serve a four-game suspension for violating the league’s performance enhancement drug policy.
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