On a Zoom call on Thursday, former Tulsa linebacker Zaven Collins noted he had met with the Pittsburgh Steelers staff and spoke very highly of head coach Mike Tomlin. Collins is one of the top first-round options for the Steelers in the upcoming 2021 NFL draft.
In a very deep draft, Collins is a rare prospect because of his versatility. It is that very versatility that makes him an ideal fit for a Steelers defense that loves to blitz and needs help at inside linebacker as well as at edge rusher. Check out the highlight video below to see the myriad of skills Collins brings to the party.
Picture if you will, Collins lined up in base next to Devin Bush on the inside but able to slide to the outside and rush the passer in sub-package defense. A guy who can drop into zone, run and cover tight ends and backs and a relentless run defender.
In terms of draft stock, Collins is firmly a late first-round pick. If any fans want Collins, they cannot hope he falls to the Steelers in the second round because it isn’t going to happen. Many fans are clamoring for a running back or an offensive lineman but there might not be a player in this draft who could help Pittsburgh more in 2021 than Collins.
