From now until the 2021 NFL Draft takes place, we hope to showcase as many prospects as possible and examine both their strengths and weaknesses. Most of these profiles will feature individuals that the Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to have an interest in, while a few others will be top-ranked players. If there is a player you would like us to analyze, let us know in the comments below.
#23 Zaven Collins/LB/Tulsa/6’4”, 260 Lbs
The Good
-Instinctive linebacker who flows well sideline-to-sideline
-Sound tackler with wide tackle radius
-Flashed legitimate next-level pass rushing ability inside and out
-Possesses impressive ball skills for a linebacker
-Readers quarterback’s eyes well; finds himself around the football a ton; former high school safety
-Real defensive chess piece that can move all over and make plays
-Size and length a real asset for him at linebacker
The Bad
-Struggles with misdirection and play-action and can run himself out of plays
-Wasn’t really asked to play in man coverage so his ability to play in man is unknown
-Needs to work on developing hand usage as a pass rusher
-Took a major step forward in 2020 in comparison to 2019; flash in the pan?