Southward sliding into a role on defense
Falcons safety Dezmen Southward, the team’s third-round draft pick, is being developed this season.
Southward, who was in the league’s concussion protocaol earlier this season, has played 186 snaps in the Falcons’ dime (six defensive backs) package.
“Dez has done a very nice job,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “He’s very athletic. He can run. He’s done a nice job on special teams for us as a gunner. He’s a guy that’s been able to get down under the ball.”
The Falcons like Southward’s versatility.
“He’s got speed and he would be a guy who could potentially line up and play corner for us as well,” Smith said. “We had him in the Senior Bowl as a corner and that’s something that he does. It gives us some flexibility and options in terms of trying to match.”
Southward has 15 tackles, two pass break ups, a tackle for a loss and one interception.
About the Author
Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.
