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In the second and third rounds of the 2015 NFL Draft, the Falcons selected cornerback Jalen Collins out of LSU and running back Tevin Coleman out of Indiana.
Collins is a bit of a departure for a team that has generally avoided players with off-the-field issues in recent years. Collins has three failed drug tests on his record, but he also has the size and speed Dan Quinn covets at the cornerback position. Many believe Collins has first-round caliber talent, so the fact that the Falcons were able to snag him with the 42nd overall pick seems like a pretty good deal.
Tevin Coleman was a workhorse for the Hoosiers last season and was a a great value for the Falcons in the third. Coleman averaged nearly 170 yards per game last season and was very nearly a Heisman finalist. Both Collins and Coleman said they had hoped to be drafted by the Falcons, their favorite team, so the Falcons are three for three in that regard.
What did fans and analysts have to say about the Falcons day two picks?
On Jalen Collins:
This is Dan Quinn getting the kind of defensive back he covets. Big, terrific athlete, physical guy.
— The Falcoholic (@TheFalcoholic) May 2, 2015
technialy Jalen Collins will split time at WR depending on whether or not hes playing against Cam Newton
— PFTCommenter (@PFTCommenter) May 2, 2015
Dan Quinn's Atlanta defense is only getting better with a big cornerback in Jalen Collins. That's an 'A' pick Grades: http://t.co/JH9dWaxEnl
— Pete Prisco (@PriscoCBS) May 2, 2015
We got a tall, dread-headed corner. Jalen Collins = Richard Sherman Lite? #Falcons
— Mr. MMAtlanta Hawks (@SmooveSalsero) May 2, 2015
Falcons get a big corner, Jalen Collins, to play against the huge receivers in the division. He fast and physical. What did Coach Quinn say!
— Dave Archer (@archerqb16) May 2, 2015
Awesome video from @LSUfball on new Falcons DB Jalen Collins: http://t.co/PlT03qUycc #NFLDraft
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) May 2, 2015
Jalen Collins: "I'm a big corner that likes to hit people." #Falcons
— Knox Bardeen (@knoxbardeen) May 2, 2015
New Falcons' CB Jalen Collins: "It’s just a blessing to be drafted by my favorite team. I am so happy right now." pic.twitter.com/pco3rEy73l
— Reid Ferrin (@FalconsRFerrin) May 2, 2015
It's a good, divisive draft pick when the reactions range from "he is literally everything Dan Quinn wants" to "worst draft pick in history"
— The Falcoholic (@TheFalcoholic) May 2, 2015
They got their Richard Sherman now- Chris Simms on Jalen Collins. Talk about an endorsement.
— Allen Strk (@Allen_Strk) May 2, 2015
My guy Ryan Clark's take on Jalen Collins: ``Solid kid. Good player. A ways to go to be an elite No. 1 corner but can step in nickel now.''
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) May 2, 2015
Just wanted to wish the newest members of the @AtlantaFalcons a warm welcome to the ATL! #RiseUp @JalenCollins32 @Teco_Raww @VicBeasley3
— Nathan Stupar (@thenastynate54) May 2, 2015
Speed & length are two traits Dan Quinn liked in Jalen Collins. Said he fits best on the line of scrimmage in press coverage. #Falcons
— Knox Bardeen (@knoxbardeen) May 2, 2015
Would not be surprised of IU’s Tevin Coleman was the first RB off the board tonight. Word was, a team tried to trade up for him last night
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 1, 2015
Tevin Coleman should've been a Heisman finalist btw
— Jason Kirk (@JasonKirkSBN) May 2, 2015
Tevin Coleman averaged 4.0 yards after contact per carry; best of Power 5 Draft Eligible HBs
— Nathan Jahnke (@PFF_NateJahnke) May 2, 2015
If the blocking is good enough, Tevin Coleman is going to be terrifying. Freeman's the third down guy right now.
— The Falcoholic (@TheFalcoholic) May 2, 2015
Tevin Coleman: This is the team I wanted to go to. #RiseUp
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) May 2, 2015
Tevin Coleman says pass protection is one of the biggest things he will bring to the Falcons. #RiseUp
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) May 2, 2015
Quinn: When you talk about Tevin Coleman, it’s the toughness and quickness to take the ball all the way. #RiseUp
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) May 2, 2015
Tevin Coleman is going to fun be to watch in Shanahan's offense. Glad he was a third rounder instead of 2.
— Alex Welch (@alexmwelch) May 2, 2015
Dan Quinn on Tevin Coleman: "The grit level on him is extremely high." Believes rookie knows how to make things happen. #Falcons
— Knox Bardeen (@knoxbardeen) May 2, 2015
Congratulations are in order for @Teco_Raww the @AtlantaFalcons got the steal of the draft. #NFL Offensive Rookie of year is a #Falcons
— Adewale Ogunleye (@aotheprince93) May 2, 2015
I like the Coleman pick to the Falcons. Kyle Shanahan might have found his next Alfred Morris. Sort of. http://t.co/4kHVa8HSmT
— Dave Richard (@daverichard) May 2, 2015
Just talked to @falcfans for a bit. We came to a consensus about this draft. The Falcons have drafted a bunch of freaks & it's beautiful.
— Allen Strk (@Allen_Strk) May 2, 2015
Dimitroff feels like they've added 2 very good defensive players that fit the scheme. Plus adding an RB that can help this offense. #Falcons
— Dan Mathews (@DanMathewsATL) May 2, 2015
Falcons have selected 3 of Mayocks top 50 prospects.. Top 48 if you want to be technical.
— Ronald T. Shields II (@MrShields2) May 2, 2015
No words to be said, just watch me on the field
— Tevin Coleman (@Teco_Raww) May 2, 2015
@jeannathomas I have NO idea how to process this draft. It's like the front office is our genie. "Whatever you wish, Atlanta..."
— WonderJaye (@WonderJaye) May 2, 2015
One of my Saints fan friends is pretty impressed by the Falcons' draft so far.
Gonna get this out of the way now so I don't have to do it later; Congrats to @jeannathomas and @alexmwelch on your division title.
— Sexual Chocolate (@CrushTheFalcons) May 2, 2015
Your thoughts on these picks?