Over the next four weeks WEEI.com will offer up 28 prospects who could be potential Patriots selections in the 2021 NFL Draft. While the top five projected overall prospects – Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson, Ja’Marr Chase, Kyle Pitts and Penei Sewell – won’t be included, all other players at all positions will be considered potential targets for Bill Belichick and his staff. Today, we take a look at one of the more versatile defensive prospects available.
Zaven Collins
LB Tulsa
6-3, 260
Resume: Collins was both a tackle machine and a playmaker for the Golden Hurricane. Over three seasons as a starter he tallied 236 tackles (129 solo), 7.5 sacks, 25 TFLs, five interceptions, eight passes defensed, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. … A former Oklahoma high school quarterback, safety and linebacker, Collins played all over the defensive front at Tulsa. As a senior in high school Collins led his team to a state title by throwing for 1,600 yards and 23 touchdowns while also rushing for 1,500 yards and another 27 scores. … He notched a pair of pick-six interceptions in 2020, totaling 152 return yards. … A first-team All-American, Collins also took home the Bronko Nagurski Trophy given to the best defensive player in college football this past fall before declaring for the 2021 NFL Draft.
Pre-Draft Buzz: Even though he may have a bigger build and lack the truly elite speed of some modern linebackers, Collins is seen as one of the best all-around defensive athletes in the 2021 NFL Draft. … His versatility is both a gift and a curse in the pre-draft process. Some will see it as unique ability to play the run, cover and rush the passer. Others may wonder what Collins’ position/role will be most often on an NFL defense. … The Athletic raves that Collins “flashes like a Dont’a Hightower starter kit.” … The Ringer notes that Collins has shades of Tremaine Edmunds, the Bills linebacker who’s been elected to the Pro Bowl each of the last two seasons. … Some mock drafts have had Collins as the top linebacker selected, while others project him slipping to the second round.
Why Collins fits the Patriots’ needs: Jamie Collins (no relation) was once a big, athletic, versatile second-round pick by Bill Belichick. He became a Pro Bowl-caliber playmaker and pivotal defender over two tours through New England. This Collins has similar potential. New England certainly upgraded its front seven and linebacker positions in free agency. Hightower’s return from a COVID opt-out and Kyle Van Noy’s comeback after a year in Miami are good short-term boosts. But Collins would add a long term building block to a defensive front that could use such a youthful centerpiece. Anyone who watched the Bucs run to the Lombardi Trophy is well aware how important athletic, playmaking linebackers are against modern NFL offenses. Collins is the type of versatile, athletic option Belichick loves to put to good use, although he also has the old-school size that has always been a key for New England linebackers. Collins could be a good potential building-block fit on the Patriots retooled defense looking to rebound in 2021.