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La’El Collins Is Becoming A 2015 NFL Draft Test Case

By Erik Lambert

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Just over 24 hours ago, LSU left tackle La’El Collins was considered a 1st round lock for the 2015 NFL draft.  Many considered him the most polished offensive lineman in the draft, able to play anywhere on the offensive line from tackle to guard.

That all changed when news broke regarding the death of his former girlfriend.

"“Collins arrived in Chicago on Tuesday poised to be a first-round pick and had been taking part in pre-draft festivities and charity events. But after reports surfaced that Collins was sought by investigators into the murder of the woman believed to be Collins’ former girlfriend — she was shot in the head at her house — Collins left the draft reportedly to assist in the investigation.”"

Inevitably this entanglement with law enforcement has led many to believe he won’t be drafted at all given the fear teams have following incidents like Aaron Hernandez, Josh Gordon and Dion Jordan.  That is why Collins’ and his agent attempted to get him removed from the main draft to the supplemental draft which takes place later this year, with the hope being his name would be cleared by then.

That attempt was denied.  This essentially means a 1st round talent offensive lineman continues to hang out there, leaving teams with a monumentally difficult decision.  Do they remove him from the board and look elsewhere, or do they take the chance that what the police say is true and he’s not a suspect and perhaps get the steal of the 2015 NFL draft by taking him in the 2nd or even 3rd round?

Rest assured, as the picks get later and later the compulsion will only go stronger and the league will be put to a  major test in terms of how much talent matters over character concerns.  If he goes early on Day 2, that will send a clear message.

Maybe one the NFL doesn’t want heard.

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