Broncos: 5 first-round targets after big free agency period
4. LB Zaven Collins, Tulsa
Simply put, Zaven Collins is a playmaker.
He’s built like a defensive end and he moves like a safety out on the field.
The only player that really comes to mind when watching him work at this size and speed as an off-ball linebacker is former Chicago Bears great Brian Urlacher. There are simply not many off-ball linebackers with this body type and athletic talent.
If defensive statistics were a bingo card, Collins would have finished his collegiate career with an absolute blackout. In three seasons at Tulsa:
- 236 total tackles
- 25 tackles for loss
- 7.5 sacks
- 5 interceptions
- 8 passes broken up
- 3 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries
- 2 defensive TDs
Collins can rush the passer as an edge player or a blitzer, he can cover, and he reads the running game really well. At his size, he’s able to work off blocks as well as shoot through gaps. He plays with tremendous instincts at the position and is just a flat out baller.
If the Broncos trade back from their 9th overall spot, a player like Collins makes a ton of sense to be used all over Vic Fangio’s defense.