Atlanta Falcons 2015 NFL Draft Grades
By John Buhler
Nov 23, 2013; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers cornerback Jalen Collins (32) raises his arm to the crowd prior to kickoff against the Texas A&M Aggies at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Texas A&M 34-10. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports
Day 2, 2nd & 3rd Rounds
CB Jalen Collins, LSU (2nd Round, 42nd Overall)
Dan Quinn knows exactly what type of players he wants in his secondary. He wants guys with size, length, and speed. LSU’s Jalen Collins fits that mold and projects as a press coverage corner for the Atlanta Falcons.
While LSU is known for its ability to develop NFL talent from the defensive back field, Collins only started 10 games for the Tigers and failed three drug tests while at Baton Rouge. Personally, I feel that Atlanta reached to take Collins this high at 42, but if Dan Quinn truly believes that Jalen Collins can help recreate the Legion of Boom in the Dirty South, I’m all for it.
Grade: 83, B-
Nov 29, 2014; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers running back Tevin Coleman (6) runs the ball during the third quarter against the Purdue Boilermakers at Memorial Stadium. Indiana defeated Purdue 23-16. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports
RB Tevin Coleman, Indiana (3rd Round, 73rd Overall)
The selection of Tevin Coleman got me out of my seat. I couldn’t believe that I was this amped for a third round selection. But not every third round pick is Indiana TB Tevin Coleman. This guy was a first team All-American for the Indiana Hoosiers. Outside of Heisman finalist and the San Diego Chargers first round selection RB Melvin Gordon, Coleman was the best running back in a loaded Big Ten Conference. Coleman runs angry and always fights for that extra yard.
Anytime you can get an All-American TB in the third round, you had a great draft day. While I do think that one day Tevin can become a featured back for the Falcons, I’m pleased that he gets to share the backfield with Devonta Freeman and Antone Smith. With the addition of Indiana’s Tevin Coleman and new OC Kyle Shanahan’s zone blocking scheme, Atlanta might have it’s best rushing season since Michael Turner’s arrival in 2008.
Grade: 99, A+
Day 2 Overall Grade: 91, A-
Next: Atlanta Falcons Draft Day Three Grades