2021 NFL Draft: Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson lead trade-filled mock draft

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Nov 14, 2020; Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA; Tulsa Golden Hurricane linebacker Zaven Collins (23) intercepts a pass late in the fourth quarter in the game against Southern Methodist Mustangs at Skelly Field at H.A. Chapman Stadium. TU won the game 28-24. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports /

2021 NFL Draft 1st round, 21st pick

Tulsa. 21. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. LB. Zaven Collins. 59

Tulsa linebacker Zaven Collins has played his way into the first-round conversation for the 2021 NFL Draft. There is no doubt he is a playmaker who can do a lot for a defense, racking up 236 total tackles over the last three seasons with 25 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, five interceptions, three forced fumbles, and a pair of defensive touchdowns.

Although his productivity and size would indicate he’s somewhat of a ‘tweener’ inside/outside linebacker type, his fit in the modern NFL is almost perfect.

Going to a system like the one Brian Flores runs in Miami?

There might not be a more “no brainer” kind of fit in the 2021 NFL Draft.

From his days in New England, we know how much Flores and the Patriots coaching tree values versatility, and Collins is a model of it. Whatever this pick winds up being for Miami, it might be safe to pencil Collins’ name in.

As well as Miami’s defense has played in 2020, they would probably love to add a multi-faceted talent like Collins whose three-down abilities could get him in the defensive rookie of the year conversation in a scheme like this.

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