Dimitroff, Quinn Falcons Draft Day Two Presser Reactions

After the second day of the 2015 NFL Draft, Atlanta Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff and HC Dan Quinn again met with the media. Dimitroff and Quinn answered questions on their two draft picks of the evening: LSU DB Jalen Collins (42nd Overall) and Indiana RB Tevin Coleman (73rd Overall).

“50% of the time the game is played in nickel defense.” – Falcons Head Coach Dan Quinn

Quinn likes Tevin Coleman’s long play ability and his toughness to extend runs.  He stated that Coleman is ‘made up with a lot of grit’ (6:44).  Dimitroff says that Tevin checks out fine medically after playing on a broken toe for much of last season.  He feels fortunate that Coleman fell to the third round as defense was more of a priority in the second round.

Jalen Collins appears very much a great scheme fit in Dan Quinn’s defense primarily as a guy that can play up at the line of scrimmage in press coverage.  Dimitroff made it clear that Collins was the type of player Coach Quinn needs to have success in running his scheme with his speed and length.  Despite failing three known drug tests, both members of the Falcons front office feel that Collins is ‘heading in the right direction’.

While I absolutely loved the third round selection of Tevin Coleman, I was skeptical on taking Jalen Collins in the second round.  The lack of starting experience in Les Miles’ defense and a history of failed drug tests feel like red flags to me.  But if this is the guy that Dan Quinn needs in his secondary, I’m fine with it.

Falcons starting CBs Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford have great cover skills particularly in deep ball cover.  However, I did feel that they could get exposed in the medium to short passing game as neither stand out to me as very physical corners.  By letting Collins be the aggressive nickel back in press coverage, I sense that the Atlanta secondary now has more power to go along with its finesse playmakers on the outside.

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Coleman looks to come in right away and compete for playing time with Devonta Freeman and Antone Smith in the Falcons backfield.  At this time, I don’t sense that Freeman or Coleman command the workload of a featured back.  Both still need work in pass protection and along with Tone they all need to push each other to give the Falcons credibility in their rushing attack.  If Atlanta RB trio can run the ball effectively in 2015, expect the Falcons offense to contend with the best in the National Football League.

The third and final day of the 2015 NFL Draft commences at 12PM ET this afternoon live from Chicago.