With The First Pick
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Browns: 3 prospects to avoid in the 2021 NFL Draft

By Adam Burruss

Nov 14, 2020; Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA; Tulsa Golden Hurricane linebacker Zaven Collins (23) gets ready for a play during the game against the Southern Methodist Mustangs at Skelly Field at H.A. Chapman Stadium. Tulsa won 28-24. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2020; Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA; Tulsa Golden Hurricane linebacker Zaven Collins (23) gets ready for a play during the game against the Southern Methodist Mustangs at Skelly Field at H.A. Chapman Stadium. Tulsa won 28-24. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Browns prospect Zaven Collins. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

1. Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa

Tulsa linebacker Zaven Collins is getting selected by the Browns in the first round in mock drafts. This is probably not what is going to happen and it is not the correct move for the team.

To start, Collins does not fit the Browns from a positional value standpoint. The Browns have shown a willingness to go cheap on a linebacker. It is obviously their weakest position group, but that is entirely on purpose. Linebackers are seemed relatively replaceable, and the Browns’ scheme amplifies that lack of use, as safeties will probably play the role of certain prospects.

Collins himself is not bad. He is a 6-foot-4 and 260-pound linebacker out of Tulsa. He does have positive traits, which is noticeable in his measurables. Collins is huge, and he is relatively quick for his position. For this reason, Collins is projected to be a player who can play as a linebacker and as someone who can rush the passer. He has versatility, which makes him akin to someone like Kyle Van Noy. With his size and fluidity, he could reasonably develop into someone with great run-stopping and coverage ability.

However, there are some caveats. Collins is quick for his size. That does not mean he is quick. In reality, he probably does not have the requisite speed to fit as a linebacker in space. The Browns struggled with the speed of their linebackers, and adding another slower linebacker does not seem to be the answer.

Zaven Collins could probably succeed on the Browns. However, they could also select quicker linebackers who could also succeed in later rounds. The Browns may finally have a more complete roster, but reaching for need hurts the team, especially when there are holes at defensive end and outside corner. Collins could be a good rusher, but he is not going to be your pass-rusher next to Myles Garrett, so he is just a slower linebacker that does not fit positional value. If Zaven Collins is there in the second round, it is a different story. However, taking him at 26 seems like a mistake for the Browns.

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