2015 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Landon Collins

Aug 30, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers wide receiver Jordan Thompson (10) is hit by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Landon Collins (26) as he tries to catch a pass in the fourth quarter of the 2014 Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports

My Take

Strengths: First and foremost, I agree that Collins’ main trait is that he’s a big hitter that jars balls loose. He also intimidates as I’ve seen receivers drop the ball in his area, afraid of his big hits. Along with the dropped balls and turnovers, Collins is a plus in the run game as he can play in the box and a sure tackler in space.

He’s also good in man-to-man coverage with fluid hips to flip and run and jams tight ends at the line of scrimmage. What’s underrated here is his recognition of route combinations and not being fooled by it. He doesn’t jump on the dig route and get beat deep on the post route coming in behind it. He’s also an excellent blitzer with some Troy Polomalu in him as far as his timing goes.

Weaknesses: Not all the time but he sometimes gets a little too anxious to come up on the run, allowing a receiver to slip past him. I also have to agree with the scouts in that he should have more interceptions but has dropped some easy one’s. I also share the concern with Brugler and Rang about defensive backs coached by Nick Saban not doing so well in the NFL.

But this is really nit-picking because all safeties, especially strong safeties bite on play-action at times. Also, most defensive backs don’t have good hands, that’s why they don’t play offense. And Collins coming from Alabama is a bit of a concern but a strong safety is more like a linebacker than a corner and their linebackers do well in the NFL.

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