2021 NFL Draft: Meet CFB’s newest star in Tulsa LB Zaven Collins
By Cory Kinnan
Where he has room to improve
When looking at where Collins can improve before April, it is important to look at how he takes on blockers. Collins does not struggle to hold the point of attack when setting an edge or taking on a pulling linebacker, nor does he get washed. However, the Tulsa linebacker has room to grow in how he shed blocks as he currently tends to work laterally to get free rather than head on.
His versatility is fairly limited as well, which is not such a negative for someone who can lock down the second level as well as he can. However, while he aligns off the edge occasionally, he lacks technical savvy to make much of an impact. He is also rarely deployed in the slot or as an overhang, predominantly due to his limited assignments in coverage.
Another area of improvement, or really just an area for Zaven Collins to pad his portfolio before the 2021 NFL Draft, is his ability to hang with tight ends in man coverage. Currently his film is predominantly limited to zone coverage, quarterback spying, or taking on running backs. If Collins can prove he can take on tight ends, the league’s best mismatch weapons, stride-for-stride, then he will see his draft stock rise even further.
Just what is his draft outlook at this point? We look there next.