3. Nico Collins will explode and cement himself as a first-round NFL Draft pick
This one perhaps quantifies as a bold prediction, but we feel like there’s good reason to feel this way. However, Nico Collins possesses everything one needs to be an elite wideout in college football in 2020, and we certainly saw that in 2019.
Collins was second last year behind Ronnie Bell with 37 receptions for 729 yards, and while Bell very much could still be the game-breaker he showed he can be, Collins is the higher-level talent. Regardless of who takes over under center, he should be the primary target in 2020, especially with Donovan Peoples-Jones and Tarik Black gone. And his speed will work beautifully in the speed-in-space offense.
If you know me you know the clock.l never lies!
This dude @lbg_nico7 finally a healthy offseason… Slim and Trim
4.46!Let everyone sleep let’s get to work on the 21’ Draft Class! We both more motivated than ever! Back to what made me …. #Crafting101 pic.twitter.com/pc4N88dbRy
— Josh Gattis (@Coach_Gattis) February 28, 2020
That is elite level speed to go along with superior size, route-running ability and hands — we’ve seen Collins make some incredible catches feet away from us on the sidelines.
There’s a reason he came back for his senior season, and he very well could have been a second-round pick this year. But expect him to not just take a big step forward, but for him to be an even bigger target in 2020.