2021 NFL Draft: Chicago Bears trade up for QB in two-round mock draft
Pick Analysis. 31. player. Scouting Report. Linebacker. Tulsa. Zaven Collins. 15
The New Orleans Saints have one of the most well-rounded rosters in the league, with depth at nearly every position. When a starter goes down, it seems like the next man always steps up to keep the Saints atop the NFC.
In the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, New Orleans seeks some upside with a versatile, impressive prospect out of small-school Tulsa. Zaven Collins would also fill a bit of a need as another playmaking linebacker alongside Demario Davis.
Collins is another athletic freak at the linebacker position. He has the speed and burst to get from sideline to sideline in a flash. He also uses that acceleration to create big hits on ball carriers.
He’s not afraid to take on blockers to make a play, but like the other 2021 NFL Draft linebackers, he will need to fill out his frame with more muscle if he wants to be effective working through blocks around the line of scrimmage.
Playing outside linebacker at Tulsa, Collins really thrives is in coverage. He essentially played slot corner at points, so he is adept with both zone and man coverage. He has great instincts and uses his athleticism to close quickly and make a play on the ball.
Collins would fit in nicely with Davis and even Kwon Alexander. Having both Collins and Chauncey Gardner-Johnson as big versatile chess pieces could be a winning formula for Dennis Allen and the New Orleans Saints defense.