MKRob Sports

The Atlanta Falcons signed former Houston Texans cornerback Dunta Robinson this offseason, but they also traded their 2007 second round draft pick Chris Houston to the Detroit Lions. With Robinson in and Houston out, the Falcons still have young talent at the cornerback position, and they feel that Brent Grimes has a bright future, after he recorded six interceptions this past season.

Even though it appears the Falcons are set at cornerback, adding depth in the mid rounds this year is a possibility. The Falcons have shown interest in cornerback prospects this offseason that are considered to be mid-to-late round draft picks, and Scout.com has learned that they entertained Alabama’s Javier Arenas in Atlanta on April 13th.

Arenas participated in the Senior Bowl and Scouting Combine and performed well this offseason. In Mobile, he demonstrated good lateral quickness and strength defending against some talented receivers and displayed his ability as a return specialist. At the Combine, the 5-foot-9, 197-pound Arenas didn’t run the most impressive time in the 40 (4.60), and he injured his hamstring during his first attempt, which put an end to his workout.

Despite his height, Arenas is a physical corner who has great playmaking ability, and plays bigger than his listed dimensions. He had an impressive 2009 season for Alabama, as he collected 71 tackles, 12 for a loss, five sacks and five interceptions. He’s a sound defender, but he will also have a major impact on special teams at the next level. He holds the SEC record with seven punt returns for a touchdown in his career, and with special teams being a valued unit, Arenas will be attractive to many teams.

Arenas is currently the 14th rated cornerback listed on Scout.com’s 2010 NFL Draft Rankings.