The Falcons reported for training camp today and Atlanta Journal-Constitution Falcons beat writer D. Orlando Ledbetter highlights five position battles to watch. He cites right guard, slot receiver, running back, right defensive end and kicker as the areas of interest.
To that list, Sam Monson of Pro Football Focus adds the cornerback spot opposite star Desmond Trufant, where he says Robert Alford "will look to hold off" Jalen Collins, who started six games in 2016 when Trufant suffered a season-ending injury.
Wait . . . what?
Alford has been a starter for three seasons. The Falcons signed him to an extension in December with $21 million guaranteed through 2018 and another $8.5 million due if he plays on that deal in 2019. The Falcons are not paying Alford like a No. 3 cornerback.
However, Monson notes that Collins earned the better PFF grade in 2016 with the top completion percentage allowed (56) among the team’s cornerbacks. Alford also ranked highest on PFF's “playmaker index” with 18 percent of targets intercepted or broken up.
Collins showed promise last season but I'd be surprised if he supplants Alford. Collins still has to show he can be reliable. Alford has a well-documented history with being penalized but he's got the larger body of work as a good cornerback.
Collins made little impact as a rookie following offseason foot surgery. In 2016 he missed the first four games for violating the league’s performance-enhancing substances policy. Once he was eligible to play, Collins couldn’t get on the active roster even though the Falcons were thin at his position.
Once Trufant went down, Collins took his position because, really, the Falcons had few other good choices. Credit to Collins for playing well when he got the chance and showing more maturity. But I’m thinking the Falcons signaled their preference for Alford to play on the outside when they gave him that contract. Look for Collins to be the No. 3 corner.
Related headlines
About the Author
