The Dallas Cowboys, among many other teams out there, went down the offensive route for their next head coach, but their plan of attack in the 2025 NFL Draft may consist of players like Texas defensive tackle Alfred Collins on Day 2.
In a league where running the ball is back en vogue thanks to performances from Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry, teams in the NFL would be very wise to use some of their premium NFL Draft picks on a player like Collins who could help turn the tide back in the defense's favor.
Teams interested in Collins, who started to get some hype after finally playing like the much-hyped recruit the Longhorns expected they were getting, need to understand how to best take advantage of what is a very specific skillset.
Texas DT Alfred Collins 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Notes
Height: 6-5
Weight: 320
Recruiting: 2020 5-star, No. 32 nationally, No. 2 SDE, No. 5 TX
Positives
- Mammoth defensive tackle who can use his size and power to shut down running lanes, impressive upper and lower body strength makes him very difficult to be moved out of a gap.
- One of the better block-shedders in this class, able to wiggle out of blocks against even future pro linemen and stop running backs in the backfield.
- Big enough to eat up space and allow linebackers to make plays, should be able to add more weight to his frame in the pros.
Collins is one of the best run-stuffing tackles in this class, and that skill is almost entirely what will get him drafted as high as he will. One of the better space-eaters in this class, Collins will be able to immediately make an impact in the pros as a two-down run-stuffer in running situations.
Collins' ceiling will be determined by how well he improves upon his already sterling reputaion as a high-end block shedder. A former top recruit, Collins has all the physical tools needed to become a starter in the pros.
Negatives
- Carries extremely limited pass rush upside for someone projected as high as he is, only seven career sacks in five seasons with the Longhorns.
- Below-average explosion eans him billing as a mediocre athlete, often unable to shed blocks or cause havoc as a pass rusher when initial bullrush fails to overwhelm guards
- Lacks a pass rush plan, poor hand use allows more technically-sound lineman to get into his chest and nullify him.
Collins is not only never going to be a high-end pass rusher in the NFL, but he displays some concerning deficiencies in this area. Lacking juice and explosion, Collins relies on his raw power, which is often undercut by bad initial get-off, to disrupt quarterbacks.
Collins may be unable to get on the field in obvious passing situations, as he won't have the juice needed to make impact plays beyond trying to bat the ball down. This will make it difficult for teams to consider picking him in the first two rounds without much better athletic testing.
Alfred Collins NFL Player Comparison: Mike Pennel
Pennel has been bouncing around the league as a valuable run-stuffer for the last decade, and he is currently playing a vital part in a Chiefs team that has made the Super Bowl every year he's been on their defense.
Alfred Collins 2025 NFL Draft Grade: Early 3rd Round
Collins is one of the most known quantities in this draft, and teams shouldn't be under any illusions as to the positive traits and drawbacks that will come with adding a player like him.
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