Collins starring on specials, improving at corner
FLOWERY BRANCH – Falcons second-round pick Jalen Collins is starring on special teams while working on his defensive back techniques in practice.
Specials teams coordinator Keith Armstrong has Collins in one of the coveted gunner positions and he has three tackles. He’s on all of the special teams except for the punt return team.
He’s in the Falcons Plan B developmental program along with a host of other rookies and practice squad players. They spend extra time with the coaching staff after practice working on their techniques.
“Then with Collins as well, playing at the end of the line, step-kicking, his techniques have really been improving,” Falcons coach Dan Quinn said. “We are really encouraged by both of those guys. (Collins and fourth-round pick Justin Hardy).”
Collins missed most of the offseason after foot surgery. He struggled at times in the exhibition season, but continued to play hard through his mistakes.
“Since the season started, we’ve been putting in hard work,” Collins said. “Every week, every day. Just trying to get us ready for the game that’s coming up. But they are harping hard on our technique and eye discipline. The little things that make a difference come game-time.”
Collins’ foot is healed.
“I have had no problem with the foot,” Collins said. “It’s given me no pain. There has been no residual effects or anything like that. I’ve just kind been going 100 percent, trying to give all of the effort that I can.”
Making the jump from college to NFL can be difficult. Falcons third-year cornerbacks Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford struggled in practice leading up to the season. Collins missed that time because of the foot surgery and is playing catch-up.
“Definitely, just adjusting to the speed of the game,” Collins said. “Trying to get all of the details down at one time. Trying to put everything together for one play. It’s definitely a different world from playing in college. I just have to put it all together. That’s been the toughest things for me.”
Collins has been learning from assistant head coach/defensive passing coordinator Raheem Morris, secondary senior assistant coach Marquand Manual and special teams intern Lance Schulters. Manual and Schulters are former NFL defensive backs.
“All of those guys have been helping us in different areas, but still harping on the same things; our technique and eye discipline,” Collins said. “As far as it goes for the corners, our job isn’t too complex, but the technique is really big. Just have three different viewpoints to hear from, guys to learn from and help me, it’s been a great help.”
Collins has the size that Quinn covets for the Falcons’ 4-3 under scheme. But the coaches aren’t going to put him out there until he’s ready to perform at a high level.
“Coach (Manual) tells me every time the defense goes out there, every time that we are about to go up, be ready,” Collins said. “It could be that next play that I’m going in. I have to be ready at all times. My number could be called at any time.”
Collins’ Bio
Round: Second. College: LSU. Height: 6-1 1/2. Weight: 203. Hometown: Olive Branch, Miss. High school: Olive Branch, Miss. Age: 22.
Highlights: A big, physical cornerback with the size and tackling skills to perhaps play safety. He led the Tigers with nine pass breakups in 2014, despite starting only seven of 13 games as a fourth-year junior. Also had 38 tackles and an interception. After redshirting as a freshman in 2011, Collins started the first game the next season before transitioning to a reserve role. Said he has a 78 1/8-inch wingspan.
About the Author
Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.
