2021 NFL Draft: Nico Collins could be under-the-radar WR star

Keep an eye on this under-the-radar 2021 NFL Draft prospect.

The 2021 NFL Draft class is loaded with talent at the wide receiver position. Just like the most recent class, this group of wide receivers has a ton of big-time talent at the top and plenty of depth throughout the class. Guys like Ja’Marr Chase, Rondale Moore, Jaylen Waddle, DeVonta Smith and Rashod Bateman will lead this group of receivers, but the depth of this position is impressive and worth paying attention to.

Teams who have needs at the wide receiver position will certainly be looking at those top-tier guys, but there is certainly enough depth at the position where a team could address another position in the first round and pick up a talented receiver or two later. For teams who are looking to go in this direction in the 2021 NFL Draft, Michigan wide receiver Nico Collins should undoubtedly be on the radar.

Collins is a 6-foot-4, 222-pound receiver who has been a solid contributor at Michigan the last two seasons. As a sophomore in 2018, Collins caught 38 passes for 632 yards and six touchdowns. He backed that up with 37 receptions for 729 yards and seven touchdowns last season.

Those are solid, yet unspectacular numbers put up by the big receiver, but he seemed to be held back by Shea Patterson and the conservative Michigan offense. Looking at the tape, Collins clearly has an exciting skill-set and could easily be a major contributor at the next level.

Collins is a big and powerful receiver who shows a wide catch radius and impressive contested-catch ability. He attacks the ball in the air extremely well and is a particularly dangerous threat in the red zone.

Collins does a nice job of using his size to his advantage but also shows impressive speed and quickness on the outside. Collins is not a burner, but he is quick and fluid as a route runner and after the catch. He does a great job of releasing at the line of scrimmage and is a tough receiver who is not afraid to make plays in traffic over the middle.

While he is unlikely to ever put up massive numbers in college, Collins undoubtedly has a well-rounded skill-set at the wide receiver position. He is a tough and reliable target in the passing game who could immediately come in and make an immediate impact as an NFL rookie.