FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Reports surfaced prior to the draft about LSU cornerback Jalen Collins failing multiple drug tests, thus dropping his stock. After the Atlanta Falcons selected Collins with the 42nd overall pick in the second round, Collins admitted he failed three drug tests.
Collins was asked how he explained the drug-related issues to teams, including the Falcons.
"Those tests were all in the past," Collins said during a conference call with reporters. "And I was making some bad decisions [and] not hanging with the right people. But what I told the Falcons, and what I've been telling everybody, is that stuff is behind me. I've been making smarter decisions all this past year. Trying to become a better person and a better football player. I think it's been helping me."
Off-the-field issues aren't the only aspect Collins has had to overcome. Collins underwent surgery for a Jones fracture in his right foot following the NFL combine.
"They just found a crack in my foot at the combine," Collins said. "We got it fixed. It's been going great, healing. At 100 percent right now ready to roll."
The 6-foot-2, 198-pound Collins is the type of big, fast corner new Falcons coach Dan Quinn looks for in his scheme. Collins should be set to step in outside opposite Desmond Trufant, with Robert Alford possibly being the third corner covering in the slot. Free safety Dezmen Southward, a player Quinn said he is considering moving to cornerback, might have to remain at his position with the lack of depth at safety.
