A year ago at this time, Ricardo Allen was learning not only a new defense, but a new position.
Drafted in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft as a cornerback, Allen spent his first season on the practice squad. After reviewing tape of the current players on the Falcons’ roster when arriving in Atlanta as the new head coach, Dan Quinn envisioned a different role for Allen.
Quinn saw a player who demonstrated the ability to make tackles in open space and take command, and moved him to free safety.
Last year, Allen spent an immense amount of time learning his new role.