With Collins out, ATL needs a reliable nickel CB. A number of falcoholics are talking up Akeem King as #3CB. He has all the measurables that DQ likes, but I don't see him as the slot starter for the first 4 games. I've heard more than one person here say how he had some great moments last year, but the kid only played 14 defensive snaps. His one moment in the season was a batted Drew Brees pass. He did see more snaps on special teams though. A 7th round pick being active for 5 games and getting actual game reps is beyond expectations for sure, and I think he may eventually get turned into a player. However, I think it's irrational exuberance to say that he's ready to be the slot CB now after those 14 snaps. I'll be surprised if that happens to start the 2016 season. I would not be that shocked if it happens by 2017 though. This year I think he's a special teamer and backup.
Van Dyke is not the answer either. He has some serious speed, but hasn't started a game since 2011, was only active in 2 games in 2013, and did not see any game time at all in 2014 or 2015. He's bounced around from team to team, with teams giving him a shot at the roster due to his speed but nobody has thought enough to activate him for some time. He seems like a practice squad / camp body type.
That's it for the current ATL CB roster. ATL needs some veteran help, but the waiver wire is pretty thin. At the top of the list is Leon Hall, who some here have been calling for ATL to sign. He's coming off injury though. He's a high quality CB and the best FA still available, and as a result I think if he's healthy he's going to get paid. I think ATL does not have the cap space to make this happen. As a result, I think we will see a signing of a lower profile veteran CB. The candidates:
I like Jerraud Powers. Played in AZ after going to Auburn. 28 years old, a lot of NFL starts under his belt, pretty reliable guy. He doesn’t really have great size to play outside against the bigger WR, but he’d likely be a good option in the slot. In 2014 Bruce Arians called him one of his 2 "defensive MVPs". http://www.revengeofthebirds.com/2016/4/4/11359896/arizona-cardinals-gave-jerraud-powers-no-contract-offer
Former Falcons Philip Adams and Josh Wilson are still out there and might be marginal stop gap solutions. A team might bet on Cromartie who is still available, but he looked pretty bad last season and is getting a little long in the tooth.
I imagine ATL may also wait for roster cuts to grab someone, but the nickel is a pretty important position to leave hanging out there for that long without practicing with the team.