Ricardo Allen Embracing the Move to Free Safety

By John Buhler | Jun 17, 2015

In Dan Quinn’s defense, second-year player Ricardo Allen will transition from corner to free safety to better accent his skills in the Atlanta Falcons’ secondary. Allen would be at best the fourth cornerback on the Falcons’ depth chart behind Desmond Trufant, Robert Alford, and rookie Jalen Collins had Coach Quinn not made the switch in positions for the young defensive back out of Purdue. Though he is embracing the position change in Atlanta, can Ricardo Allen compete at free safety after being “a lifetime corner?”

-= Related: Who Ends Up Starting for the Falcons at Free Safety? =-

Allen is quick to credit his defensive backs coaches Raheem Morris and Marquand Manuel for helping in his transition to free safety. He says, “I don’t think I could have done it without them.”

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The way Ricardo explained to the media the differences in mindset between corner and free safety illustrates that he’s paying attention in the classroom for the Falcons. He stated, “As a corner, everything is reaction…but now it’s more eyes…you have to see the bigger picture, not just focus in on one thing.”

He doesn’t sound bitter about Collin’s arrival to Flowery Branch. Allen likes his ability to play the deep ball and thinks he “a pretty talented guy.” I think Ricardo Allen realizes that playing alongside the talented corner trio for the Falcons should only bolster his play at free safety. He can use his vision not just his reflexes to make plays for Atlanta this fall.

I’m really liking Allen’s student mentality in embracing this new role for the Falcons. It seems that the entire coaching staff is willing to help him make the necessary adjustments to become a solid free safety in Atlanta. Allen says with regards to his coaching, “All I can do is listen. So the more I’m learning, the more I can do in just listening to what they’re saying, everything will come naturally.”

Though Ricardo Allen has a long way to go in becoming a solid free safety in the NFL, his positive outlook on getting better every day will go a long way in making this position change as smooth as possible for the second-year player. Minicamp continues both today and tomorrow from Flowery Branch. Go see Ricardo Allen and all your favorite Falcons players practice these next two days. Rise Up, ATL!

Next: Atlanta Falcons Begin 2015 Minicamp Today

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