Atlanta Falcons: Top 5 Rookies Heading Into Camp

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

Initially I thought it was a risky selection to take CB Jalen Collins out of LSU in the second round.  He had his issues with failed drugs tests and injuries while playing for Les Miles’ Bayou Bengals.  But at 6’3”, Dan Quinn believes that Collins could become the next Richard Sherman with the right coaching.  So who’s better than the guy that was Richard Sherman’s DC the past two seasons with the Seattle Seahawks?

Collins projects as a versatile, every-down defensive back.  He can play up in press coverage, he can play on the outside with the more traditional wideouts, he even has the size to play nickel in the slot.  The Atlanta Falcons have three terrific looking cornerbacks on their roster in Jalen Collins, Robert Alford, and Desmond Trufant.  If coached properly, you’re looking at the Dirty Birds being filthy in both the nickel and the dime for years to come.

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I love how Jalen Collins will transition from one great defensive mind in college John Chavis to another in Dan Quinn at the professional level.  Add in the knowledge of Defensive Passing Game Coordinator and Assistant Head Coach Raheem Morris and you’re looking at an impressive list of defensive coaching gurus.

It’s entirely up to young Jalen Collins if he will look at his coaches like their Socrates, Aristotle or Plato.  I certainly hope so because the talent is obviously there.  Taking a risk on Jalen Collins doesn’t seem as ill-fated with a new, cohesive regime determined to teach their players to play as fast and as physical as they possibly can.

Collins could surpass Alford on the depth chart at some point this season and become a starter on the outside for the Atlanta Falcons.  But worst case scenario, we should see plenty of Jalen Collins in the nickel and the dime this fall in obvious passing situations for the Atlanta Falcons defense.

Next: Steady Hands and a Bright Future