Atlanta Falcons: 3 players who need to impress before season opener
Aug 14, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons cornerback Jalen Collins (32) breaks up a pass over Tennessee Titans wide receiver Justin Hunter (15) during the second quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
CB Jalen Collins
No, this isn’t to say the Falcons will cut the second-rounder after one preseason game. That would be way too dramatic. This is merely saying that Collins is going to have step up and learn from his mistakes in order to better himself.
Personally, I was OK with drafting him but I felt there were better playmakers like CB Quinten Rollins from MU. I have trust in Thomas Dimitroff, Scott Poliai,and Dan Quinn’s decision in getting Collins. They have proved many of us wrong before. We also have to Collins the benefit of the doubt.
When minicamp came around, there was concern about his foot surgery and this was deepened when I saw him in training camp. I understand that it is extremely hard for a rookie corner to come in and make a impact in the NFL but fans expect to see some type of progress.
Does everyone remember when Trufant had a horrible preseason his rookie year? He was constantly jumping on receiver’s moves and was bullied in the run game. What happened? He was one of the top-10 corners in his rookie season alone. That same progress could come from Collins if he learns and progress towards being a better player.
If there was any type of hope for Collins exhibited in last week’s game, it was when he was beat over in a crossing route and allowed a touchdown. What was interesting about that play was that even though he burnt on the route he stayed in giving a 110 percent effort to stop, almost causing a turnover.
On the flip side to that, a play that worried me was when the Titans were on the goal line and ran a power sweep to Collins side. Instead of maintaining his outside leverage he got anxious and went after the first blocker. That is where Collins needs to create discipline and understand what offenses are trying to do to him.
All in all, he is going to be a special player if he learns from those around him and understands to use his head instead of his physical ability all the time.
Prediction: Nickel or dime package player
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