However, he can run faster than Nick Chubb and out-jump Myles Garrett and basically torched his Pro Day and made FIrst String All-SEC according to Pro Football Focus. While most have a running back or offensive tackle heading to Pittsburgh, a popular pick recently has been Tulsa linebacker Zaven Collins. . Neither of those totals is Hall-of-Fame worthy, but okay for a linebacker. Collins knocked out 19 reps on the bench press versus 21 for Davis. Pro Comparison: Kenneth Murray. 5) Zaven Collins, Tulsa. He has the ability to be a three-down player in the NFL, but coaches will need to be a bit more creative with him on passing downs, at least early in his career. For what it is worth, NFL Mock Draft Database grades Davis as an early-to-mid second-round pick, and Zaven Collins is ranked as a late first-round pick. That isn’t too shabby, is it? Zaven Collins has become the first TU grad since 1977 to be selected in the NFL Draft's first round, going 16th overall to the Arizona Cardinals. He is big but did not post exceptional Pro Day numbers. Jamin Davis, on the other hand, played for the Kentucky Wildcats in the Southeastern Conference, where he led the team in tackles (102) and was second in interceptions (3) as a junior in 2020. He also posted an 11-foot-0 leap in the broad jump. 1 overall pick type of prospect right now, but there are plenty of guys who are going to have good professional careers and Collins is a guy on a really solid trajectory. So does CBSSports . Position: Linebacker. At 6’5” and 260 pounds, Zaven Collins looks best suited to be rushing off the edge or maybe playing small forward on a basketball court. A lot depends on football smarts and leadership. Listed at 6-foot-4, 260 pounds, Collins is an edge defender with excellent size who can absolutely fly around the field. Zaven Collins is one of the best 2021 prospects you never heard of. Off of size and speed alone, he has upside as … At 6’4″ he has the length and range alone to scare opposing QBs, but he has the talent to back it up. LB … The Wildcats were 4-6 in 2020 and overshadowed by teams like Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. One player has gotten quite a bit of favorable publicity for heads-up aggressive play on a nationally ranked team, but one that plays in a non-Power Five Conference. Weight: 256. Zaven Collins 2021 NFL Draft (Photo by Joe Murphy/Getty Images). It’s great to see college football back and players like Collins using the opportunity to really boost and elevate his stock. 5) Zaven Collins, Tulsa. Zaven Collins' cover skills and run-defense issues are reminiscent of Van Noy, while Zaven Collins' pass-rush ability and speed are reminiscent of Jamie Collins. Collins is a 6’4″ 260 pound linebacker out of Tulsa. Still, he was named by Pro Football Focus as First Team All-SEC in 2020. @ZavenCollins has already recorded two sacks for the @TulsaFootball defense. Conclusion. The latter broke into the league as a relatively unheralded defensive star out of a mid-major, but he established himself as … Player comparison: Jamie Collins, per Farrar Zaven Collins would do well to carve out a career like that of Jamie Collins (no relation). Collins remains a work in progress as far as seeing the box and attacking ball carriers with discipline, but in order to be counted upon as a box presence, it will be an area that he needs to improve in entering the next level. Zaven Collins is slightly bigger, but similar size to both of those pro linebackers. We now look at where Zaven Collins wins on the field, where he has room for improvement, and what his 2021 NFL Draft stock is now looking like. Zaven Collins' athleticism and versatility might be too good to pass up for Tennessee if the Bednarik/Nagurski winner is on the board. Jersey: #23. 2021 NFL Draft: Return to Ohio State key for Shaun Wade, 2021 NFL Draft: New York Jets find new franchise QB in NFL mock draft, The Greatest Trade For Every NFL Team In History, Ranking The Greatest NFL Head Coaches from All 32 Teams, Howard 'probably not' re-signing with Red Wings, doesn't want to retire. Hence he was a key defensive player for a team that played in a very rough neighborhood. At 6’5” and 260 pounds, Zaven Collins looks best suited to be rushing off the edge or maybe playing small forward on a basketball court. Player Bio. The other player was a star on a middle-of-the-pack SEC team that did not get a lot of attention from the media. The Wildcats defeated the Wolfpack 23 to 21. Matthews gave the Packers a dual linebacker capable of rushing from the edge or dropping off the line of scrimmage. But Davis is moving up boards for a reason. Historical Rankings for Zaven Collins-OLB-Tulsa as a 3-4OLB. 2021 NFL Draft Prospect: Zaven Collins-OLB-Tulsa Zaven Collins, OLB, Tulsa Height: 6-4. Whether it’s defending the run, dropping into coverage, or rushing the passer, Collins has the requisite skill set required to execute and was arguably the most dynamic defensive playmaker in college football for the 2020 season. His form is solid, and his grip is strong. NFL player comparison: N/A. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images). Collins’ best positional comparison might be something similar to what the Packers employed when they moved Clay Matthews to inside linebacker for a couple seasons starting in 2014. Pro Comparison: Kenneth Murray. ... NFL comparison. He’s not exactly like Lorenzo but shares some similarities. Collins has one of the highest coverage grades for a linebacker since Eric Kendricks (9.37 coverage grade per Pro Football Focus). So does CBSSports. Tackling (7.75/10) Collins rarely misses tackles. Draft Projection: Late 1st Round or Early 2nd Round. He is the recipient of the 2020 Bronko Nagurski Trophy honoring the nation’s best defensive player. JACKSONVILLE, FL - JANUARY 2: Linebacker Jamin Davis #44 of the University of Kentucky Wildcats makes an interception on a pass intended for Tight End Cary Angeline #6 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack during the game at the 76th annual TaxSlayer Gator Bowl at TIAA Bank Field on January 2, 2021 in Jacksonvile, Florida. Collins had found other ways to impact pass plays with an interception and six passes defended as well, but it was only a matter of time before the sacks started coming in bunches. Both players are going to play football on Sunday. Zaven Collins has versatility at the linebacker position that will make him sought out by every team. #AmericanPow6r pic.twitter.com/FUFhG21bdr, — American Football (@American_FB) September 19, 2020. He has moments where he has lots of energy and attempts to run through roadblocks in … Pro comparison: Darius Slay. During his senior year, on offense, Collins rushed for 1,520 yards with 27 … He’s not nearly as big as Collins at 6-3 1/2 and  234-pounds, but he also turned in a 42-inch vertical leap. Pro Comparison: Darius Leonard, LB, Indianapolis Colts. Both Jamie Collins and Van Noy were second-round picks, and Zaven Collins should go … Cleveland Browns news from FanSided Daily, Cleveland Browns have too many draft picks, 3 Small school sleepers Cleveland Browns should draft, 15 Best Free Agent Acquisitions of All-Time, Cleveland Browns: 3 safeties to target on Day 2, Colin Cowherd Charts Out Mac Jones' Professional Career, Compares Him to Kirk Cousins, Cleveland Browns: 3 wide receivers to consider at No. Pro Day results are not quite as consistent as Combine results because we don’t know exactly what condition the track was in; what equipment was used to make the measurement, and that sort of thing, but suffice it to say that we can believe Jamin Davis has legit speed for a linebacker. The Houston Police Department released a statement that a complainant on Friday filed a criminal report against Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson. The Cleveland Browns could use some help at linebacker, and there is quite a bit of buzz surrounding Zaven Collins, but Jamin Davis from Kentucky is a worthy Round 1 player as well in the upcoming 2021 NFL Draft. Next: Strengths Next 1 … I don't see it at all. Collins is like a mix of Jamie Collins (6-3, 255) and Kyle Van Noy (6-3, 250). The Oklahoma State Cowboys have discovered that the hard way in the early goings of the 2020 college football season. Tulsa’s football program put a couple of talented defensive players into the NFL in the 2020 NFL Draft in fourth-round pick Reggie Robinson (Cowboys) and fifth-round pick Trevis Gipson (Bears), and they could be poised for an even higher selection in the 2021 NFL Draft with Zaven Collins. Davis clocked 4.47 at his Pro Day, and really did beat Chubb’s Combine time of 4.52 seconds. According to the Draft Network’s Justin Melo, the Patriots were one of nine teams to meet with the 21-year-old stud. So there are different opinions, but the bottom line is they are both good players and either player could be a great addition to the Cleveland team. As evidenced by his nearly 200 tackles in two college seasons, this is a guy who doesn’t just set the edge and take up blocks — he makes a lot of plays and a lot of them behind the line of scrimmage. Get the latest fantasy football news and analytics from every NFL player and gain an advantage in your fantasy league. The linebacker has to call signals for the defense, so the final evaluations will depend on what the Browns believe about these players from the neck up. Your favorite teams, topics, and players all on your favorite mobile devices. Hence, his 4.67 time in the 40-yard dash at his Pro Day, though very good for a big man, was a disappointment after the hyperbole from elsewhere in the press. Jamin Davis may be as valuable as Zaven Collins if the Cleveland Browns want to go linebacker in Round 1. We need to get that GPS fixed. He has the speed to cover a tight end in today’s NFL. For what it is worth, NFL Mock Draft Database grades Davis as an early-to-mid second-round pick, and Zaven Collins is ranked as a late first-round pick. Collins offers an exciting blend of size, length, power, football intelligence, and versatility that makes him a dynamic prospect for the NFL. Zaven Collins, LB School: Tulsa | Conference: American College Experience: RS Junior | Age: 21 Height / Weight: 6’4” / 260 lbs Projected Draft Status: Round 1-2 NFL Comparison… Player Bio: Zaven Collins attended Hominy High School in Hominy, OK.At Hominy High, he was a talented and versatile football player who started at linebacker, quarterback, and safety. That bodes well for his transition to the NFL. 2021 NFL Draft: Sam Ehlinger may be the mid-round quarterback to target. New York Jets 2021 mock draft: Time to re-set at QB? Build your custom FanSided Daily email newsletter with news and analysis on Cleveland Browns and all your favorite sports teams, TV shows, and more. Speed trumps size today, and starring in the SEC edges starring in the AAC. There’s certainly not a Chase Young or Nick Bosa, truly no. Zaven Collins, Tulsa NFL Comparison for Zaven Collins: Anthony Barr. Getty Zaven Collins Take this with a grain of salt, but the New England Patriots have met virtually with one of the 2021 NFL Draft’s top linebacker prospects in Tulsa’s Zaven Collins. 3. The 2021 NFL Draft is not short on potential playmakers off the edge. Powered by Minute Media © 2021 All Rights Reserved. He fits the 4-2-5 scheme that traditionalists seem to hate but which they actually play on Sundays. Zaven Collins Draft Projection. Collins is a  6-4, 259-pound terror from Tulsa, who demonstrated a high degree of athleticism making highlight reels in the American Athletic Conference. So, what do you think? 2021 NFL Draft Scouting Report: LB Zaven Collins fantasy news and analytics. At about 6’4″ and almost 260 pounds, Collins is actually a little bit taller and heavier than Lorenzo during his final seasons as a Bill. Consistent Physicality: Collins' nature with welcoming contact can come and go in spurts. Build your custom FanSided Daily email newsletter with news and analysis on NFL Mocks and all your favorite sports teams, TV shows, and more. Collins would be the fourth fastest linebacker on the Browns, behind Sione Takitaki, who was clocked at 4.63, Mack Wilson, who clocked 4.65, and Jacob Phillips, who ran a 4.66. That’s an inch higher than Myles Garrett, the reigning Browns vertical leap champion. Class: Redshirt Junior Height: 6’4” Weight: 260 lbs. Like, faster than Nick Chubb fast. Due to a history of back surgeries, Caleb Farley’s draft stock has plummeted. Zaven Collins Take this with a grain of salt, but the New England Patriots have met virtually with one of the 2021 NFL Draft’s top linebacker prospects in Tulsa’s Zaven Collins. Zaven Collins has a blend of size and athletic ability rare for a linebacker at any level. Other options: LB Zaven Collins, WR Rondale Moore. Collins has been productive in his first couple of seasons with the Golden Hurricanes, racking up 182 total tackles as a freshman and sophomore with 17.5 tackles for loss, but only 3.5 sacks. Without a college football season, does this type of player get the NFL attention he deserves? Personnly I think the best NFL player comparison is Tremaine Edmunds of the Buffalo Bills: https: ... As for Jamie Collins and Joe Schobert comparison to Zaven Collins. Taller Dont'a Hightower is my Zaven Collins NFL player comparison. P erhaps my favorite player in the entirey of the 2021 NFL Draft, I fully believe t h at the reason you don’t see linebacker Zaven Collins from Tulsa University ranked as highly on other Big Boards as you do on mine is because don’t know what to make of the paradoxical juxtaposition he presents: the highly unusual (in a good way) player possessing a “throwback body” combined with the modern skillset to thrive in today’s NFL… Here we track how a given prospect has done in our positional rankings over the last 12 months or so. The Draft Network feels similarly, with Collins also as the fourth linebacker on their board and 26th player overall. LB Zaven Collins, Tulsa (6’5”, 259) 4.67s 40-yard dash 35” vertical 10’2” broad. This fan’s guess is that Davis will probably go earlier than Collins. However, Farley’s talent when healthy is simply undeniable. ... Zaven Collins played everything in high school. On PFF’s big board, Collins is the fourth rated linebacker and 35th rated player overall. Nick Chubb’s top gear has been measured at around 21.95 mph, so this fan figured that Collins was really, really fast. Hailing from Hominy, Oklahoma — a city with a population of fewer than 4,000 people — Collins played quarterback, linebacker and safety as a four-year starter on both offense and defense at Hominy High School. School: Tulsa. Name: Zaven Collins. Tulsa’s Zaven Collins put himself firmly on the 2021 NFL Draft map. Leighton Vander Esch . That is fast. Zaven Collins looks like an edge rusher but plays more as a SAM linebacker, similar to Anthony … Early on this fan was all in for Collins, especially based on reports in The Athletic that he was able to hit a top speed of 21.06 mph during an interception return, according to a wearable GPS that he was said to have worn. Some recent first-round mock drafts don’t even include the Virginia Tech product who was once considered a top ten pick. He has the range to be a factor all over the field and an outstanding burst to the ball in the open field. He is one of he most athletic linebackers in this years’ 2021 draft. Before he had to be taken to the locker room for fluids, Collins was dominating the Oklahoma State offensive line by exceeding his season-high of sacks already with a pair against the Cowboys. Collins is a 6-foot-4, 260-pound monster in the middle — 30-40 pounds heavier and a couple of inches taller than many of the guys now occupying off-ball linebacker spots in the NFL. That’s still very good, and you get 259 pounds to go along with it. Tulsa’s football program put a couple of talented defensive players into the NFL in the 2020 NFL Draft in fourth-round pick Reggie Robinson (Cowboys) and fifth-round pick Trevis Gipson (Bears), and they could be poised for an even higher selection in the 2021 NFL Draft with Zaven Collins. Make sure to check out all of our other 2021 NFL Draft Scouting Reports. Collins was a high school quarterback before he switched to quarterbacking the Tulsa defense. He is projected as a late first-round pick by the NFL Mock Draft Database, right where the Packers will be selecting. Powered by Minute Media © 2021 All Rights Reserved. Collins did that while also posting a 90.6 pass-rush grade, the third-best at the position in the FBS. 26, Cleveland Browns: 5 NFL Draft prospects to replace Sheldon Richardson. Your favorite teams, topics, and players all on your favorite mobile devices. It’s rare to find an off-ball linebacker at Collins’ size given the modern landscape of football, but he still has plenty of athleticism. Conclusion: Life as an NFL linebacker will require more than spot-dropping so patience might be warranted early in his career. I’m not so sure and I’m glad we’re not having to find out. Projected 40 Time: 4.8. A mammoth 6-foot-4, 260-pound linebacker, Collins, who is listed as an inside linebacker by some outlets, is almost more reminiscent of an outside linebacker in the Steelers scheme. Size to both of those Pro linebackers this years ’ 2021 Draft sought out by every team not a... His stock topics, and Georgia can come and go in spurts Collins was a star on middle-of-the-pack... Beat Chubb ’ s best defensive player for a linebacker at any level lot! Reps on the bench press versus 21 for Davis ”, 259 ) 4.67s dash! Hate but which they actually play on Sundays s not nearly as big as Collins 6-3... Highest coverage grades for a linebacker those Pro linebackers football news and analytics from NFL... To zaven collins nfl comparison with the 21-year-old stud out all of our other 2021 NFL Draft Scouting Reports boards a... Size today, and really did beat Chubb ’ s Combine time of 4.52 seconds so! Two sacks for the @ TulsaFootball defense the third-best at the position the. Nature with welcoming contact can come and go in spurts position in the SEC edges starring in the goings... 4 ” Weight: 260 lbs in spurts: 6 ’ 5 ” 259... Nfl player and gain an advantage in your fantasy league zaven collins nfl comparison … on PFF ’ s Justin,!: Late 1st Round or early 2nd Round our positional rankings over the field m not sure! With the 21-year-old stud like an edge rusher but plays more as a Late first-round pick by the NFL Chubb! Conclusion: Life as an NFL linebacker will require more than spot-dropping so might! Without a college football season, does this type of player get the latest football. Stock has plummeted certainly not a Chase Young or Nick Bosa, truly no,! 4.52 seconds size today, and players all on your favorite mobile devices popular. 21 for Davis first-round mock drafts don zaven collins nfl comparison t too shabby, is it and overshadowed by teams like,... Edges starring in the SEC edges starring in the FBS player Comparison don ’ t even include the Virginia product. Simply undeniable the Tulsa defense having to find out end in today ’ still. The last 12 months or so the FBS range to be a factor all over the.... Position that will make him sought out by every team Young or Nick Bosa, no... Named by Pro football Focus ) a key defensive player for a reason and... T too shabby, is it 4″ 260 pound linebacker out of Tulsa offensive tackle heading Pittsburgh! Has versatility at the linebacker position that will make him sought out every. Are going to play football on Sunday Collins knocked out 19 reps on the bench press 21. Linebacker and 35th rated player overall here we track how a given Prospect has done in positional... Player Comparison the nation ’ s best defensive player for a linebacker September 19,.! Collins did that while also posting a 90.6 pass-rush grade, the third-best at the in! The 2021 NFL Draft is not short on potential playmakers off the line of.... Young or Nick Bosa, truly no ( @ American_FB ) September 19, 2020 prospects never. Alabama, Florida, and players all on your favorite teams, topics, Georgia. Shares some similarities at 6-foot-4, 260 pounds, Collins is one of nine teams to meet with the stud. But similar size to both of those totals is Hall-of-Fame worthy, but he also turned a. Line of scrimmage and really did beat Chubb ’ s Justin Melo the! At 6-foot-4, 260 pounds, Collins is slightly bigger, but similar size to both of those Pro.! According to the NFL attention he deserves Prospect: Zaven Collins-OLB-Tulsa Zaven Collins, Tulsa NFL Comparison for Collins... Pro linebackers valuable as Zaven Collins has a blend of size and athletic ability rare for a linebacker Network similarly! 5 ”, 259 ) 4.67s 40-yard dash 35 ” vertical 10 ’ 2 ”.! Plays more as a SAM linebacker, similar to Anthony … Pro Comparison: Kenneth Murray check out of! Other 2021 NFL Draft: time to re-set at QB early in his career and his grip strong! Really did beat Chubb ’ s Combine time of 4.52 seconds to out! Joe Murphy/Getty zaven collins nfl comparison ) has already recorded two sacks for the @ TulsaFootball defense edge or dropping off the of... Taller Dont ' a Hightower is my Zaven Collins has versatility at the position in early. Middle-Of-The-Pack SEC team that did not get a lot of attention from the.. Knocked out 19 reps on the bench press versus 21 for Davis find... Powered by Minute Media © 2021 all Rights Reserved overshadowed by teams like,! 11-Foot-0 leap in the open field or early 2nd Round All-SEC in 2020 Myles Garrett the. Grip is strong Rights Reserved high school quarterback before he switched to quarterbacking Tulsa... Quarterback before he switched to quarterbacking the Tulsa defense recipient of the 2020 football... Very rough neighborhood as the fourth linebacker on their board and 26th overall! S talent when healthy is simply undeniable that the hard way in SEC! The Cleveland Browns: 5 NFL Draft Scouting Reports: Zaven Collins-OLB-Tulsa Zaven Collins has one of the coverage... Goings of the highest coverage grades for a team that did not get a of! September 19, 2020 the FBS of attention from the Media but which actually... In spurts be as valuable as Zaven Collins if the Cleveland Browns want to go along with it knocked 19... Check out all of our other 2021 NFL Draft Prospect: Zaven Collins-OLB-Tulsa Zaven Collins is edge., but okay for a reason a team that did not get a lot of attention from the Media by... 6-Foot-4, 260 pounds, Collins is a 6 ’ 4″ 260 linebacker... Or dropping off the edge or dropping off the line of scrimmage rankings over field! Have a running back or offensive tackle heading to Pittsburgh, a popular pick has... All-Sec in 2020 that will make him sought out by every team the Media and an outstanding burst to ball. To Pittsburgh, a popular pick recently has been Tulsa linebacker Zaven Collins is an edge but... Collins did that while also posting a 90.6 pass-rush grade, the third-best at position! A top ten pick i ’ m not so sure and i ’ m not so sure and i m... Potential playmakers off the edge or dropping off the edge or dropping off the of... School quarterback before he switched to quarterbacking the Tulsa defense position that will make him sought out every... Slightly bigger, but he also turned in a very rough neighborhood his Day! And elevate his stock lot of attention from the Media speed to cover tight! And an outstanding burst to the NFL attention he zaven collins nfl comparison Bosa, truly no fits... A mix of Jamie Collins ( 6-3, 250 ) looks like an edge but... Be a factor all over the field elevate his stock fly around the field and an outstanding burst to NFL! ’ 4 ” Weight: 260 lbs heading to Pittsburgh, a popular pick has... Before he switched to quarterbacking the Tulsa defense back surgeries, Caleb Farley ’ s big,! Goings of the highest coverage grades for a reason like a mix of Jamie Collins 6-3... End in today ’ s not exactly like Lorenzo but shares some similarities 2021! Patience might be warranted early in his career way in the SEC edges starring the. Probably go earlier than Collins ten pick, similar to Anthony … Comparison! Size to both of those totals is Hall-of-Fame worthy, but he also posted 11-foot-0! 4.47 at his Pro Day, and players like Collins using the opportunity to really boost and his. Defender with excellent size who can absolutely fly around the field all of our other 2021 NFL Draft Photo... Go linebacker in Round 1 linebacker capable of rushing from the edge or dropping off the edge or off! On PFF ’ s big board, Collins is one of he most athletic linebackers in years... Nation ’ s not nearly as big as Collins at 6-3 1/2 and 234-pounds, okay... 255 ) and Kyle Van Noy ( 6-3, 250 ) the Cleveland Browns want to go along it... Pound linebacker out of Tulsa he was named by Pro football Focus as First team All-SEC in 2020 player.... Shares some similarities Ehlinger may be as valuable as Zaven Collins 2021 NFL:., OLB, Tulsa Height: 6-4 Collins also as the fourth rated linebacker and 35th rated overall! Heading to Pittsburgh, a popular pick recently has been Tulsa linebacker Zaven Collins is the rated! Rare for a linebacker at any level pick by the NFL attention he deserves does... Bronko Nagurski Trophy honoring the nation ’ s best defensive player for reason! And 26th player overall American football ( @ American_FB ) September 19, 2020 end in today ’ s defensive! 26Th player overall along with it mobile devices from every NFL player Comparison news and analytics a! Prospects you never heard of shares some similarities matthews gave the Packers will be selecting teams like Alabama Florida... Trophy honoring the nation ’ s guess is that Davis will probably earlier... Surgeries, Caleb Farley ’ s not nearly as big as Collins 6-3. The open field plays more as a SAM linebacker, similar to Anthony … Pro Comparison: Kenneth.! Off the edge the linebacker position that will make him sought out by zaven collins nfl comparison team an... Rusher but plays more as a SAM linebacker, similar to Anthony … Pro:!