JACKSONVILLE – During the pre-game period before Friday's game against Jacksonville, Christopher Owens was announced as the starter at right cornerback for the Falcons.
But when the first-team unit took the field, Dominique Franks, the second-year player from Oklahoma, was in Dunta Robinson’s spot against the Jaguars.
Franks, who played in only two games last year, has had an impressive training camp. During most practices he gets at least one interception and several pass breakups. Based on his practice play, he warranted a closer look.
With Robinson out with a hamstring, Franks, who’s in a battle to earn the nickel-back position and solidify a role as the top reserve cornerback, was a natural target.
When the Falcons went with five defensive backs, Franks went inside to cover the slot receiver and Owens moved to right cornerback.
Jacksonville quarterback David Garrard early in the game tested Franks, who had a rough start before he settled down.
Garrard went after him on the first play from scrimmage, completing a pass to wide receiver Jason Hill for a 9-yard gain.
Four plays later, Franks, while defending the slot, lost his footing on a double-move route by Mike Thomas, who got loose for a 24-yard gain. Yet Franks stayed active and led the team with five tackles by halftime. He also had a pass breakup and a tackle on special teams.
Owens, who opened last season as the nickel back, is battling Franks to retain his spot.
Over the offseason, coach Mike Smith expressed confidence that Owens, slowed by a back injury last season, could play outside at cornerback and inside at nickel back in the NFL.
Against Jacksonville, it was clear that the coaching staff wanted to see how much Franks has developed.
Owens and Franks were regulars at the team’s twice-a-week, seven-on-seven practices at Buford High School during the lockout. Franks said he received tips from wide receiver Roddy White about what to look for while defending receivers.
The Falcons consider Franks and Owens as promising young players. They hope the two develop in the same manner as left cornerback Brent Grimes, an undrafted player who has turned into a Pro Bowl player.
Garrard found out early to leave Grimes' side of the field alone. Grimes had a breakup and an interception that he returned 62 yards.
Owens was selected in the third round of the 2009 draft out of San Jose State. Franks, who left college after his junior year, was a fifth-round pick last year.
Owens had a promising rookie season, starting six games and playing in all 16 games. He finished with 21 tackles and two interceptions.
He was inserted in the lineup after Brian Williams, who was not re-signed this season, suffered a knee injury. However, Owens struggled against the Green Bay Packers in the divisional playoff game.
Franks was active for three games last season, and played in two.
Franks' interception and a pass defensed against Arizona in the second game of the season were rookie highlights.
The Falcons will find out if they have a third cornerback before they look into the veteran salary-cap casualty market when the final cuts are made around the league.
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