Atlanta Falcons: What Jalen Collins Means For The Secondary
By Kevin Knight
Nov 15, 2014; Fayetteville, AR, USA; LSU Tigers cornerback Jalen Collins (32) reacts before kickoff Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Long-term potential
Jalen Collins has an insanely high ceiling, which is why many analysts considered him to be one of the top CBs in this draft class. He’s a potential No. 1 CB in the NFL, and pairing him with another No. 1 CB in Desmond Trufant could give the Falcons a truly great tandem down the road.
In the short term, Collins will likely need to refine his coverage technique. He’s still a little raw, having only started 10 games for LSU, and veteran NFL WRs will probably give him fits early on. However, by 2016 or even towards the end of 2015, Collins should quickly gain the upper hand.
Under the tutelage of Raheem Morris and Marquand Manuel, and supported by Desmond Trufant (who will make his life easier by taking on the opposing team’s #1 WR) Collins should be able to develop into an elite CB. He probably won’t be great, or even good, right out of the gate. But the Falcons should get him started as soon as possible, as there is no substitute for game experience.
Jalen Collins and Desmond Trufant can form the foundation of a completely revamped defense in Atlanta. Add a top FS prospect in 2016 and we could all be looking at a secondary that can rival the Legion of Boom. All in all, the future is bright for the Falcons’ defense.
What do you think about the Jalen Collins pick? Was he a good value at 42nd overall? Do you think Collins and Trufant can turn into one of the best CB duos in the NFL?
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