NFL.com projects Jalen Collins as starting cornerback
For a defense that struggled against the pass so much in 2014, the Atlanta Falcons’ group of cornerbacks now looks the part. There is plenty of talent, and importantly, depth.
Jalen Collins was selected in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft, and it’s likely he will be groomed to start outside with Desmond Trufant eventually, with Robert Alford being used in the slot as a nickelback.
This is one of the battles we can look forward to seeing throughout the organized team activities and training camp this summer.
Collins will likely become the No. 2 cornerback behind Desmond Trufant long term, but could he be the starter there from day one? Greg Rosenthal of NFL.com believes he will.
"Jalen Collins, the team’s second round pick, will try to beat out their 2013 second round pick Robert Alford for the starting job. While the safety position looks weak, the Falcons have a nice looking young cornerback group."
He projects Collins to be the CB2 behind Trufant, with William Moore at strong safety and Charles Godfrey at free safety.
Looking at the other key positional battles this summer, Rosenthal predicts Tevin Coleman will be the premier running back ahead of Devonta Freeman.
"Tevin Coleman gets the nod as option 1A at running back. He was drafted a round before Devonta Freeman was taken a season ago, and is a better fit for new offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan’s system. Any new acquisition has an advantage over players acquired when Mike Smith was the coach."
Rosenthal believes Sam Baker will be the starter at left guard, and Paul Worrilow will be the middle linebacker. Do you agree with these predictions?
There is a lot for Dan Quinn to decide before the Falcons’ first regular season game on September 14, and there is a long way to go before these positional battles are decided.
Who do you think will be the starters at each position when training camp and preseason is in the books and the Falcons are gearing up to face the Philadelphia Eagles?