FLOWERY BRANCH – Before diving into the final draft stretch run, Falcons coach Dan Quinn shared some thoughts with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution about six players he's counting on to elevate their games in 2016.
He wants them to slide from being role players to becoming major contributors. The group includes defensive end/linebacker Vic Beasley , cornerback Jalen Collins, running back Tevin Coleman, defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, wide receiver Justin Hardy and free safety Robenson Therezie.
Today we’ll look at cornerback Jalen Collins, who was drafted it the second-round (42nd overall) of the 2015 draft out of LSU.
Collins played in all 16 games and made two starts. He finished with 12 tackles and fives special teams tackles. He started against Tennessee on Oct. 25 and San Francisco on Nov. 8.
Collins had offseason foot surgery in 2015 and missed most of the training sessions. He struggled at times in coverage, but will have an opportunity to compete for the starting right cornerback spot.
The Falcons like Collins’ size and are hoping that he becomes more physical re-routing receivers at the line of scrimmage. Collins has been working out in Flowery Branch, trying to get his footwork together.
“He has to play really discipline at the line of scrimmage,” Quinn said. “He didn’t get an offseason with us last year. He had a foot injury. The first real work that he got was when we got into training camp.”
The Falcons believe that Collins has a huge upside.
“For him, it’s the footwork because the speed is there,” Quinn said. “That’s the first part for playing corner. He’s got the length and the ball skills. Now, it's let’s get the footwork to make that (work).”
Collins must eliminate missteps that allow fleet NFL receivers to pull away and create separation.
“Even playing at the line of scrimmage, if he steps under and or if he doesn’t use the right footwork, then he’s not utilizing all of the length that he has to step and jam a guy,” Quinn said. “Or, he’s playing off and he’s a big long dude. Use your skills. A lot of that starts, when you are playing corner, with your feet.”
LATEST ON THE FALCONS
Falcons set offseason training schedule
Falcons 61 draft picks under GM Thomas Dimitroff
Falcons could wear all-Red uniforms for a game next season
Touchback rule has Quinn plotting strategy
FREE AGENCY STORIES
Falcons' Dan Quinn loyal to Shanahan, staff, amid heat
Linebacker Jerrell Freeman won't be joining Falcons
Weatherspoon hopes to revive career, where it started
Falcons agree to five-year deal with center Alex Mack
Mohamed Sanu: 'I'm not trying to fill anybody's shoes'
Alabama defensive tackles (A'Shawn and Jarran) are NFL-ready
Falcons defensive line coach Bryan Cox gets into shoving match at NFL combine
Floyd, Jenkins are stellar NFL prospects
Firm helps NFL prospects prepare for newfound wealth -- 7 financial pitfalls they'll face
Ex-Georgia linebacker Jordan Jenkins has met with the Falcons
Clemson's Shaq Lawson interviewed with the Falcons
Nkemdiche has uphill battle to improve NFL draft status
Nkemdiche would love to play for the Falcons
14 questions with Georgia Tech standout Adam Gotsis
Falcons checking out interior linemen at the combine
18 questions with Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff
Quinn still evaluating the roster -- Nothing new on Roddy White
7 players the Falcons are watching at the combine
13 questions with Falcons coach Dan Quinn
5 questions with Duke punter Will Monday (Flowery Branch High)
26 State prospects hope to make impact at NFL combine
Synthetic turf chosen for Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Dimitroff, Quinn have activated the '100-day' plan
Stay or go: Pick Falcons' offense
Falcons owner Arthur Blank vows to fight cancer, move on Super Bowl bid
Falcons released safety William Moore, linebacker Justin Durant
