Collins is getting a big opportunity in year two. He only started once as a rookie, but he played 16 games and flashed with a sack, two forced fumbles and two recoveries. At 6-foot-5 and 332 pounds, he has the size to be a real problem inside, especially when he keeps his pads down and uses that length before a blocker gets into his chest. The hard part is that the rookie tape was uneven, and shoulder surgery cost him offseason time. I have him at a five because we are still projecting more than we are rewarding proven production. The upside is obvious, but now he has to hold up over starter snaps.
Strengths: Collins has rare size and length, can clog a run lane and has enough reach to affect passes or strip the ball even when he does not win cleanly. The two forced fumbles as a rookie hint at disruptive ability beyond his modest tackle total.
Weaknesses: His pad level can rise, allowing shorter linemen to get underneath him and move a much bigger player. He also needs a more consistent pass-rush plan after recording one sack, and the shoulder recovery adds uncertainty as his workload expands.
