Alex Collins, RB Arkansas: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report

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In 2014, the Arkansas Razorbacks had a dominant run-game, highlighted by two running backs who eclipsed 1,000 yards. Alex Collins and Jonathan Williams combined for 2,290 yards and 24  touchdowns, the most of any running duo in 2014 in the entire country. Jonathan Williams was considered the “lead” back and entered 2015 as such. But Alex Collins was no pushover as he contributed 1,100 of their combined yards and tied Williams with 12 TD’s. Entering the season, the Razorbacks were considered a strong candidate for a good year to challenge the top SEC schools. This train of thought stemmed from the dynamic and efficient run game Biliema had brought to town.

As the 2015 season started, bad news would come from Fayetteville that Jonathan Williams was lost to injury for the season. This meant that rather than a dynamic duo, Alex Collins would need to shoulder the run-game and a greater part of the offense. Many were not sure how Collins would react and if he would be able to continue the production he had the last two seasons. As the season went on, many skeptics would have their fears put to rest as Collins answered in a big way.

In the first game of the season, Collins rushed for 127 yards, on just 12 attempts, and one touchdown. He only had three games where he rushed for under 100 yards and while a couple of them were pretty poor performances, including a 12-carry, 26 yard effort against Alabama, the majority showed the talent and production of a future NFL running back. Undoubtedly one of his strongest performances came at the end of the season against Missouri where he totaled 130 yards and 3 touchdowns, leading the Razorbacks to a 28-3 victory.

Measurables

Height: 5-11

Weight: 215 lbs.

Year: Junior

Strengths

• Physical Runner

Alex Collins is a physical, downhill runner with a strong lower body that enables him to run through tackles, picking up extra yards on each carry. He gets low to the ground and has tremendous balance, aiding his physical style and helping him break through any hole. The power he runs with brings the “running with a purpose” appearance and allows him to be more intimidating with the ball in his hands. He’s perfectly built to push the pile and gain the needed yards on 3rd & short or goal line situations. The clip below shows Collins against Texas A&M last season and demonstrates his ability to break tackles and push for more yards.

• Production

Production isn’t always an indicator of future success, but it’s hard to argue against what Collins has done at Arkansas since his freshman year. He is only the third running back in SEC history (the second at Arkansas) to start his collegiate career with three 1,000 yard seasons, joining Arkansas’ Darren McFadden and Georgia’s Herschel Walker. It’s a pretty impressive statistic and group to be mentioned with. Collins’ production won’t necessarily dictate his success in the NFL, but he is a good indicator of his potential.

Weaknesses

• Receiving

With only 27 receptions in his entire collegiate career, Collins will need to demonstrate the proficiency needed to catch the ball in the NFL. In today’s pass-happy league, running backs like Arian Foster and LeVeon Bell who are multi-faceted are absolutely critical. They bring an element to an offense that most teams are now searching for. While there is a place for physical backs, they are not getting involved as much in the offense as those capable of doing more. Collins will need to build up this area of his game if he hopes to be a high draft-pick come 2016.

Final Thoughts

Alex Collins is an old-fashioned, physical runner that possesses the speed to break into the open field. He hasn’t demonstrated versatility as a receiver just yet, but has shown the tools needed to be an effective back in the NFL. With time and attention to growth, Collins could carve out a niche on an offense much like Isaiah Crowell has in Cleveland. He definitely possesses the potential to be an every-down back at the next level.

Projection: Rounds 3-4

Player Comparison: Isaiah Crowell, Cleveland Browns