According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Detroit Lions hosted TCU defensive end L.J. Collier for a pre-draft visit.
After the NFL Combine exposed athletic limitations as a traditional edge rusher, some of the first round shine rubbed off Collier, but his on-field production — including an impressive week at the senior Bowl — illustrates why he should definitely come off the board sometime during Day 2 of the NFL Draft.
In Detroit, Collier (6-2.5, 283-pounds) would likely alternate between the “down defensive end” where Trey Flowers will lineup and the situational “big defensive end” role currently occupied by Da’Shawn Hand.
Collier’s power is his trademark. His ability to set the edge is among the best in this class as he uses his length (34″ arm length) to grab and bury anyone within his wingspan.
He also utilizes power when bull rushing, where there are countless examples of him putting offensive tackles on skates and driving them back to the quarterback.
Collier has starter level potential, but he is still relatively inexperienced with only one year as a true starter which could prevent him from immediately stepping into a starting role at the next level.
That being said, his ability to fill multiple roles in the Lions scheme will be appealing to Detroit. In 2019, the Lions could use another rotational piece on the defensive line, and with A’Shawn Robinson currently in a contract year, Collier would provide the team security if they need to shift Hand inside more in 2020.
