Washington Football Team: Can’t miss first-round 2021 NFL Draft targets

Currently, the Washington Football team has Jon Bostic and Cole Holcomb starting in their two linebacker spots. They are not bad players, but adding the best college defensive player in the country this past season would be a major boost to the Washington front-seven.

Zaven Collins was sensational for Tulsa in 2020. He ended the season with 54 tackles, 4 sacks, 7.5 tackles for loss, four interceptions, two pass deflections, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and two touchdowns. He proved to be all over the field and was a major playmaker as the leader of a surprisingly stout Tulsa defense.

The key to Collins is his ability to play all over the field as a linebacker. His ability as an EDGE rusher stays consistent when he drops into zone. For one he is better dropping into zone compared to going after the quarterback, but as a speed rusher, he was able to consistently impact the offensive backfield.

His biggest strength is his nose for football even with his seemingly low tackle numbers in 2020. The year prior, Collins put together a season with 100+ tackles but was not as impactful as an overall playmaker.

The 6-foot-4, 260 pounds, linebacker displayed smooth hands and great coverage skills when he would drop back in zone. The biggest question is how will he be able to cover faster running backs and bigger tight ends.

Collins has earned his spot amongst the top linebackers in this class, and allowing him to work behind the dangerous Washington front-four will allow him to bring the most out of his game.