Falcons training camp: Don’t worry about Jalen Collins just yet

Jalen Collins improved in nearly every way imaginable in his second season, stepping into the lineup after Desmond Trufant was injured and generally acquitting himself well in coverage. He also is good enough on special teams to ensure a role even if he's not getting playing time on defense.

Yet there has always been a nagging sense that perhaps Collins isn't assured a job with this team, something reporters have written about despite team denials. Then there was this, from yesterday's practice.

McClure also put Collins as his fifth cornerback on his June 21 53 man roster projection, behind both Brian Poole and C.J. Goodwin. It would be fair to suggest that McClure’s probably got a good reason to think there’s pressure on Collins, but it’s also fair to suggest that Collins has done enough to this point to have a roster spot, and a decent-sized role. The Falcons are loaded at cornerback, but Collins is no slouch, and certainly you shouldn’t worry about him not making the team based on a handful of practices.

l legitimateIy can’t believe the team would consider cutting ties with Collins, a Quinn selection with the size and physicality the team looks for at corner, and a track record of solid play. It seems likelier the team is trying to motivate him, but there has been enough smoke around Collins to this point that I do think the team isn’t as high on him as many of us are. I hope at the end of the day, Collins is a Falcon, and the Falcons use him well.