Washington Football Team: 3 option with 19th pick in 2021 NFL Draft
3. Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa
The third option at 19th overall maybe a curveball compared to other Washington mocks, Tulsa linebacker Zaven Collins. Taking a defensive player here may not be the best value for this team, but Collins is a special player who projects as a MIKE to control this defense.
Collins has easily become one of the biggest risers in this draft. He finished the year as the Bronko Nagurski award winner, for the best Linebacker in the country. He recorded 54 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, and four picks in only eight games. At six-foot-four 260 pounds, Collins is an impressive athlete. He moves insanely well for his weight and can cover tight ends and running backs downfield.
A quick processor, Collins gets into the play quick and is always around the ball to make a tackle. One of the best coverage linebackers in this class, which is becoming a highly touted skill. He drops in zone coverage well and keeps his eyes on the quarterback. Multiple times in games, Collins showcased his ability to make plays on the ball consistently.
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Defensive coaches will salivate over a prospect like Collins. He can man the center of your defense and can be moved all over as a chess piece. Washington’s defensive line will create havoc and give Collins all the ability to shoot gaps and read plays easily. The rich get richer here, and Washington could have one of the most talented front sevens we’ve seen in a while.