Sep 14, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jordan Matthews (81) misses a pass that is intercepted by Atlanta Falcons cornerback Ricardo Allen (37) as Paul Worrilow (55) defends in the fourth quarter to preserve the win at the Georgia Dome. The falcons defeated the Eagles 26-24. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Where Does Ricardo Allen Fit in Atlanta’s Long-term Plans?

With the Desmond Trufant extension complete, the Falcons secondary picture heading into 2017 is fairly clear, save for a bit of a muddled situation at safety. Atlanta has not had a mainstay at free safety in quite some time, with the position proving more of a revolving door than defensive redoubt.

Ricardo Allen served as Atlanta’s starting free safety last season, putting together an admirable-at-best and serviceable-at-worst campaign, at times making questionable decisions in coverage. As Atlanta heads into the draft, could the team be eyeing a middle round pick to create some camp competition for Allen?

Now this is not meant to marginalize Allen’s ability in any way, as he made some game-changing plays during the season, including a key interception in the playoffs. But when looking at the Falcons’ starting defensive backs, the free safety position is one that could and should be addressed and upgraded during the draft. Where that occurs with Atlanta’s six picks is anyone’s guess.

I would like to see the Falcons address the free safety position in the draft, and there are numerous candidates in the mid-to-late rounds who may fit the fast and physical archetype Dan Quinn has installed in Atlanta.

Even if it’s not an immediate plug-and-play selection, bringing in some young blood to compete with Ricardo Allen for a roster spot in camp could push the man to cement his place in the Falcons’ secondary.

Let’s take a look at scouting reports from NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein on a few options: Justin Evans, Marcus Maye, and Lorenzo Jerome.

Zierlein had this to say about Justin Evans:

Soft-spoken but carries a walloping stick. Plays the game with an elevated sense of urgency and excitement. He is a little undersized, but has plus speed, is an extremely physical hitter and can play deep or near the line of scrimmage. Athleticism and ball skills might lead a team to test him out as a slot corner.

The senior safety out of Texas A&M seems to check all the boxes on the Quinn-Dimitroff-Assessment-Index. A veritable freight-train roving the field, Evans’ punishing physicality and urgent style of play make him an attractive option in the middle of the draft. Primarily a strong safety in college, he would prove an intriguing project transitioning to a different role in the defensive backfield. Evans would immediately challenge Allen for a starting role in camp, and there is a possibility that he’ll be available when the Falcons pick in the third round.

Regarding Marcus Maye, Zierlein provided the following take:

Interchangeable safety with the instincts of a free safety and the physicality of a box player. Thrives as a downhill player and has the instincts and speed to operate effectively from both single-high and two-deep looks. Has the physical attributes and intelligence to step into a starter’s role early on and will be a strong contributor on special teams.

Maye made his mark at the University of Florida as an effective tackler in the open field with solid coverage instincts. Marcus also brings a #BrotherhoodBonus, as he shared centerfield with Atlanta’s 2016 first-rounder, strong safety Keanu Neal. He missed the latter portion of his senior season with a broken arm, but will be ready to go for 2017. With Keanu Neal, Jalen Collins, and Brian Poole on the roster, Dan Quinn’s affinity for SEC defensive backs is well-documented. Expect Maye to be on Atlanta’s big board, and don’t be surprised if the front office pulls the trigger if he’s sitting around in the late third round.

And finally, Lance Zierlein’s evaluation of Lorenzo Jerome:

While he’s not the biggest or fastest safety, he does not back down from the physicality of the position and he has a second gear when he’s chasing after the ball. NFL teams love instinctive safeties who take the ball away and Jerome is working on a Master’s Degree in both categories.

Lorenzo Jerome is an FCS product with virtual magnetism where the football is concerned. Jerome is slighter in stature than the prototypical build for the position, but what he lacks in size he makes up for with his innate ballhawking ability. As is the case with any draft prospect from a smaller school, there will be question marks about Jerome’s level of competition, but he deserves a solid look if he’s still available in the fourth.

Ricardo Allen was a pivotal cog in Atlanta’s postseason run, but it’s no exaggeration to say the free safety position warrants a glance for an upgrade in the draft – in the very least, the Falcons should be scouting prospects to provide some stout depth in the secondary. Whether Ricardo is the guy in 2017 will remain to be seen, and a triumph in a camp battle may be the decisive factor that secures his starting role.