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Packers: 3 Options with 29th Pick in 2021 NFL Draft

By Nicholas McGee

Nov 14, 2020; Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA; Tulsa Golden Hurricane linebacker Zaven Collins (23) celebrates along with offensive lineman Chris Paul (71) and others after intercepting a Southern Methodist Mustangs pass during the fourth quarter at Skelly Field at H.A. Chapman Stadium. TU won the game 28-24. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2020; Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA; Tulsa Golden Hurricane linebacker Zaven Collins (23) celebrates along with offensive lineman Chris Paul (71) and others after intercepting a Southern Methodist Mustangs pass during the fourth quarter at Skelly Field at H.A. Chapman Stadium. TU won the game 28-24. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Packers target Zaven Collins. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa

Green Bay failed to properly address the linebacker position last year after getting run over by the 49ers in their NFC Championship game shellacking, and the defense subsequently took a step back in 2020.

That was not all down to personnel. Mike Pettine’s position as defensive coordinator deserves to be in jeopardy, but the Packers could help themselves significantly on that side of the ball by adding one of the draft’s most versatile defenders.

Collins is an excellent fit for where the modern-day game is going at linebacker, given his ability to attack downhill against the run but also excel dropping into coverage. In 2020, Collins had four interceptions with two returned for touchdowns and a further two passes defensed.

He has also demonstrated significant upside as a pass rusher and consistently made plays in the backfield last season, registering four sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss.

With Preston Smith a potential cap casualty after a big drop-off in production from 2019, having a linebacker who can assist Za’Darius Smith and Rashan Gary in getting after the quarterback would be a huge boost.

Matt LaFleur inexplicably trusted his defense over Rodgers in the crucial moments against the Bucs, Collins is a prospect who can give them better odds of getting a stop in the same situation in 2021.

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