2021 NFL Draft Linebacker Rankings Top Five
5. Zaven Collins, Tulsa
Size: 6-5, 239
The Good: A fascinating all-around prospect who can be used in a whole slew of ways, he was a tackling machine in his first two years and then took his game up a few levels as a junior.
Always good at hitting – he made 182 tackles in his first two seasons – he became a bit more of a pass rusher last year and had the uncanniest of knacks for coming up with every big play. It was if you could see the game slowing down for him in the big moments.
Able to play inside and out, or he could beef up and be used on the line, he’s an all-around producer who can fit just about any scheme. However …
The Not-So-Good: He’s the the ultimate tweener. He could be just fine on the inside, but he’s not really a thumper. He’ll likely be used on the outside, but he doesn’t have the raw wheels – he ran a 4.67; great for a DE, though – as he’s more football-fast than tools-fast.
He’s also not really going to fit as a smallish defensive end. The frame is there to support more weight, but you don’t want him on the line. Some defense is going to to need a specific idea for him, otherwise he might get caught up trying to find a role.
Does your team need a do-it-all LB? @TulsaFootball's Zaven Collins might be your guy. (via @chad_reuter)
📺: 2021 #NFLDraft — April 29 – May 1 on NFLN/ESPN/ABC pic.twitter.com/HE88V1rJ2f
— NFL (@NFL) April 10, 2021
NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: There were few more valuable defensive players in college football last season. Some guys have a way of making big things happen – forgive the apples to oranges comp considering they’re built differently and had different games, but think Manti Te’o in terms of timely college playmakers. It might take a little while to find the right use for him, but he’ll grow into whatever job he gets.
Projected Round: First