Tag: Alfred Collins

Seahawks double down on defense in ESPN’s 2-round 2025 NFL mock draft

Seahawks double down on defense in ESPN’s 2-round 2025 NFL mock draft

Most 2025 NFL mock drafts have the Seattle Seahawks addressing the offensive line early. That’s the baseline expectation, considering the Seahawks have massive needs across the interior of their O-line, and arguably at right guard as well. Despite that, ESPN’s Matt Miller took a different approach via his recent two-round mock draft.

With the No. 18 overall selection, Miller has the Seahawks drafting University of Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell.

“Seattle fans would rather the team address the trenches in Round 1, but general manager John Schneider has shown in the past that he values the linebacker position more than others (i.e., the Jordyn Brooks pick in 2020),” Miller wrote. “So while there’s a strong case for Alabama guard Tyler Booker here if Seattle goes all-in on running the ball in 2025, I’m looking more at how Campbell’s three-down impact could fill a massive hole.

Additionally, Campbell would also bring value as a pass rusher on third down, with five sacks in 2024. He is the closest thing coach Mike Macdonald can get to what he had with Roquan Smith in Baltimore.”

Miller brings up an interesting point that Schneider values linebackers. Ernest Jones IV is currently slated for free agency, and Pro Football Focus recently projected him to sign with an NFC West rival. Elsewhere, Macdonald’s defense runs through its linebackers when at its best, as proven by Roquan Smith’s form in Baltimore when Macdonald was the Ravens’ defensive coordinator.

In the second round, Miller has the Seahawks drafting Texas defensive tackle Alfred Collins at No. 50 overall.

“It’s tempting to pick a quarterback-in-waiting here, but the value isn’t right,” Miller continued. “Instead, the Seahawks take another Texas defensive tackle to join Byron Murphy II, Seattle’s first-round pick in 2024. Collins is a true nose tackle at 6-foot-5, 320 pounds who can shut down interior rush lanes.”

As Miller noted, Collins would be reuniting with last year’s first-round pick Byron Murphy II. Would the Seahawks utilize another premium selection on an interior defensive linemen though? Schneider could get better value here.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Two Longhorns defensive lineman declare for the NFL Draft

Over the last few days, the Texas Longhorns have seen some of their key players move onto the next stop of their football journey by declaring for the NFL Draft

Over the last few days, the Texas Longhorns have seen some of their key players move onto the next stop of their football journey by declaring for the NFL Draft. That list now includes Alfred Collins and Vernon Broughton. The talented duo should draw plenty of interest after impressive runs with Texas.

In 63 games as a Longhorn, Collins was a key piece, recording 142 tackles and 7.5 sacks. He also forced two fumbles and picked off one pass. While Collins is not a turnover machine, he is coming off the best season of his career. During the 2024 campaign, the Cedar Creek High School product set a career-high in tackles with 55.

As Collins frustrated offensive coordinators, he got some help from Broughton. During his college career, the Houston native recorded 69 total tackles and four sacks. He will enter the draft following the best season of his career, in which he set career highs in sacks, total tackles, and fumbles recovered.

Although Collins and Broughton are moving on, they leave a memorable legacy in Austin. They both improved each year and will not be easy players for the Longhorns to replace. Due to their ability to disrupt offenses, they will be intriguing prospects to watch during the draft process.

Although the Longhorns may need a bridge year to replace Collins and Broughton, they have exciting prospects waiting in the wings. The next wave of talent includes Justus Terry, Myron Charles, and Josiah Sharma.

While fans watch their growth, they will also be cheering for Collins and Broughton, who have bright futures in the NFL.

Texas draft prospects for Packers fans to watch during College Football Playoff

Draft prospects from Texas for Packers fans to watch during the College Football Playoff.

The Texas Longhorns had 11 players drafted during the 2024 NFL Draft. They could match or even exceed that number during the 2025 draft. Let’s look at eight players who could be targets for the Green Bay Packers.

Alred Collins, DT

A former five-star recruit, Collins looks every bit the part of a future wrecking ball. Collins plays with some raw power and walks blockers back into the quarterback’s lap. He has the range to make plays up and down the line of scrimmage and his motor is always running. 

Video Player

Barryn Sorrell, Edge

Sorrell checks the boxes with his frame and athleticism. As a run defender, he snatches and tosses and sets a hard edge. According to Pro Football Focus, Sorrell has recorded 21 run stops this season. The Texas edge rusher enters the matchup against Clemson with nine tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and 39 pressures. 

Video Player

Jahdae Barron, DB

A year ago Barron was one of the best slot defenders in the country. This season he’s shown that he can survive on the boundary. Barron led the SEC in interceptions (5) and recorded nine pass deflections. He has the drive explosion to arrive before the pigskin and has wide receiver-like ball skills. He’s a physical downfield defender and stays balanced as a tackler. 

Video Player

Jake Majors, C

Majors enters the matchup against Clemson with 54 career starts at center for the Longhorns. Majors has heightened awareness and understands protections. Over the past two seasons, Majors has given up zero sacks and 20 pressures.  

Trey Moore, Edge

At 245 pounds, Moore could be too light for Green Bay’s liking. Moore can easily add five pounds without losing his explosive first step. The UTSA transfer has recorded 3.5 sacks and 26 pressures. 

Video Player

Vernon Broughton, DT

At 6-5, 306 pounds, Broughton has an ideal NFL frame. The Texas defensive tackle has good initial quickness off the snap to get upfield quickly and disrupt the action in the backfield. He maintains his gap and shows the lateral quickness to make plays up and down the line of scrimmage.

Video Player

Matthew Golden, WR

With his instant acceleration off the line of scrimmage and finds a second gear to win vertically. He runs sharp routes and does a good job of mixing up his tempo to keep defensive backs off balance. Golden also brings special teams value as a kick and punt returner. 

Video Player

Isaiah Bond, WR

The Alabama transfer is a dynamic playmaker. The former track athlete is a vertical threat and can take swing passes the distance with his game-breaking quickness. Bond is similar to Jayden Reed and having those two on the same offense would put a lot of stress on opposing defenses. 

Video Player

Five Texas Longhorns earn AP All-Americans honors

That list includes Anthony Hill Jr., Jahdae Barron, Kelvin Banks Jr., Alfred Collins, and Michael Taaffe.

With the 2024 college football regular season in the books, the Longhorns have made headlines as awards have been handed out. On Tuesday, that continued when five players were named All-Americans by the Associated Press. That list includes Anthony Hill Jr., Jahdae Barron, Kelvin Banks Jr., Alfred Collins, and Michael Taaffe.

While all five have been key to the Longhorns’ success, only Barron and Banks earned first-team honors. During his fifth season with the Longhorns, Barron has started all 13 games and leads the conference in interceptions with five. As a senior, he has added 47 tackles to his resume.

On the offensive side of the ball, Banks has been one of the Longhorns’ best players and a model of consistency. The Texas native has started every game this season and helped protect quarterbacks Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning. He has also added two SEC Offensive Player of the Week honors to his resume.

Hill, Collins, and Taaffe earned spots on the second team. The talented trio were human highlight reels, making life difficult for offensive coordinators. Hill led the way with a team-high 90 tackles, including six for a loss.

He also got some help from Taaffe, who finished the season with 61 total tackles. The local star was also named the SEC Defensive Player of the Week and the Burlsworth Trophy National Player following the Longhorns win over Vanderbilt earlier this season.

Rounding out the list is Collins, who has taken his game to another level over the past few months. In 13 games, Collins set career highs in tackles with 43 and pass deflections with seven. For the Longhorns, his improved play was a welcome sign.

The Longhorns and this talented group will now focus on making a deep playoff run and building on a memorable 2024 season.

Three Longhorns players projected to be first-round picks in PFF College mock draft

The Texas Longhorns have multiple players who could hear their names called as NFL teams look for future stars

With the college football regular season winding down, players nationwide will soon start preparing for the NFL draft. The Texas Longhorns have multiple prospects who could hear their names called as teams seek future stars.

In the last mock draft from PFF College, the Longhorns were a popular team: Three players were projected to be first-round picks: Kelvin Banks Jr., Alfred Collins, and Isaiah Bond. Over the last few years, they have been critical to the Longhorns’ success. While Banks has been considered a draft prospect for months, Collins and Bond have had their stock rise over the last few months.

Through 12 games, Bond has been one of the Longhorns’ best wide receivers. He ranks second on the team in receptions with 42 and receiving yards with 510. His ability to get open would be helpful to any team and PFF College sees him as a good fit for the Chargers and Justin Herbert.

Due to another productive season leading the Longhorns’ offense line, it was no surprise to see Banks’ name in the first round. He is one of the best tackles in his class and would be very valuable to any team, including the Seahawks. At the moment, they are projected to have the 20th overall pick and could use it on Banks with free agency looming for Abraham Lucas.

Rounding out the list is Collins, who is playing the best football of his college career. So far this season, he has set career highs in total tackles, solo tackles and pass deflections. The Longhorns star has also shown a talent for pressuring quarterbacks. PFF College sees him as a fit with the Texans, who are projected to have the 22nd overall pick.

While a lot can change leading up to the draft, the Longhorns’ roster is full of talent that will appeal to many NFL teams when they are on the clock.

Alfred Collins ranked as top defensive tackle in Week 12 by PFF College

While the Longhorns got contributions from everyone, Alfred Collins stood out and was rewarded for his efforts

In the Longhorns win over Arkansas on Saturday, the defense continued to thrive. The Razorbacks were held to 231 yards of total offense and only recorded five first touchdowns. While the Longhorns got contributions from everyone, Alfred Collins stood out and was rewarded for his efforts.

Following the Longhorns’ victory, Collins earned a 91.6 grade from PFF College, the highest grade for a defensive lineman in Week 12. The talented senior recorded seven tackles, including two for loss. He finished the afternoon tied for second on the team in tackles, trailing only Michael Taaffe. In his best game of the season, Collins was a human highlight reel and hard to keep off the field.

While the Longhorns 2024 campaign is far from over, PFF’s recognition is another example of how good Collins has been this season. He has set career highs in total tackles with 35, solo tackles with 17, and pass deflections with four. If he can continue his recent play, more awards could be on the horizon.

As the Longhorns chase a national championship, Collins should continue to see plenty of snaps. He has proven that he can be an impactful player and is finally receiving national recognition. On a team full of talent, he is starting to stand out.

With Collins playing the best football of his college career, the Longhorns defense has another weapon to rely on.

Texas DT Alfred Collins hasn’t broke out, but could in 2024

Alfred Collins’ breakout could be imminent. We share why it hasn’t happened yet.

There are roughly 95 days until the Texas Longhorns kicks off against Colorado State to begin the college football season. 95 is, of course, the number Alfred Collins wears. Collins, the former five-star prospect, hasn’t yet realized his five-star potential, but is primed to break out in 2024.

Some might already label the player a bust or write off his ability to contribute. After all, if he’s really as good as he was projected to be we should have seen it by now, they might suggest. That’s a logical outsider perspective, but not the full story.

Alfred Collins isn’t a bust. In fact, you could argue we actually have seen Collins play like a five-star. We’ve seen him throw NFL tackle Anton Harrison to the ground before sacking Spencer Rattler. We’ve seen him snag a one-handed interception in a bowl game. We just haven’t seen enough of it, because he hasn’t had enough chances to play.

Collins simply hasn’t gotten opportunities yet due to injury and defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski’s situational designations for the defensive lineman.

Kwiatkowski famously placed Collins in a situational role that didn’t see the field much in 2021. Why? Perhaps because Collins wasn’t big enough to play three-technique but not lean enough to play edge in Kwiatkowski’s scheme. One of many failures to the 2021 defensive philosophy was trying to fit players to a scheme rather than fitting the scheme to players. That appeared to have changed after the 5-7 showing.

Collins’ progress was further stunted by injuries that limited his ability to pack on muscle and gain weight to move into the defensive tackle position in past offseason. Then, of course, defensive tackles Byron Murphy and T’Vondre Sweat became All-Americans and prevented Collins from moving up the depth chart.

Fast forward to the 2024 offseason. Collins is mammoth-sized having finally grown into a defensive tackle. Kwiakowski should play him as often as possible this season. The senior now checks in at 321 pounds.

So why hasn’t the once undersized converted defensive end with ill-timed injuries broke out at defensive tackle yet? The question answers itself.

Texas’ T’Vondre Sweat and Keondre Coburn went from underachieving multi-year starters to breakout players in their last season in Austin. Collins will look to continue the trend in 2024.

Texas’ Alfred Collins with THICC-Six in spring game

Texas got a big man scored ins its spring football game

The spring games are on tap at many major schools.

Texas, joining the SEC in 2024, showed off some defensive prowess in its spring event.

Alfred Collins picked off a pass Saturday and all 6-foot-5 and 321 pounds of the defensive lineman returned it for a touchdown.

The Longhorn secondary seemed to have trouble with Arch Manning and his wideouts.

Texas DT Alfred Collins announces return for another season

Alfred Collins’ return is as big a win as any portal loss for Texas for 2024.

Alfred Collins is coming back. The defensive tackle announced that he will return to Texas for another season on the Forty Acres.

The Texas Longhorns have endured some big losses both to the transfer portal and the NFL draft. But the news of Collins’ return lofts Texas back into contention for a 12-team playoff barring unforeseen departures.

Outside of Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers and his pending decision, Collins might be the most important of potential returning players for the team. His importance stems from just how vital its starting defensive tackles were last season.

T’Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy were two of the best defensive tackles in college football this season. Texas was going to have drop off at the position, but the question at defensive tackle revolved around how severe of a drop off. With Collins in the fold, the Longhorns’ prospects move positively toward contention.

The returning playmaker has been effective and will likely be one of the best defensive tackles in the nation in 2024. The question will be who Texas plays beside him. Fellow defensive tackle Vernon Broughton will likely see plenty of playing time in the rotation, but isn’t big enough to play nose tackle.

Aaron Bryant and Jaray Bledsoe are young, but could factor into the defensive tackle equation alongside freshman defensive tackle Sydir Mitchell. That said, its fair to assume Texas will look to add depth at the position if not another impact starter.

The most important aspect of the position group is that Texas returns its most impactful player outside of Sweat and Murphy. Look for Collins to have the late breakout season Sweat and Keondre Coburn enjoyed in final seasons in Austin.

Report: Texas DT Alfred Collins eyes return to Longhorns in 2024

Alfred Collins could have a final season breakout similar to that of defensive tackles Keondre Coburn and T’Vondre Sweat.

Texas is trending to retain perhaps its second most important returning player behind starting quarterback Quinn Ewers. Continue reading “Report: Texas DT Alfred Collins eyes return to Longhorns in 2024”