La’El Collins: Browns Draft Profile
By Paul Noel
The Cleveland Browns season is over. We will spend a good amount of time reviewing the season but we will spend even more time preparing for the off-season. Browns 2015 NFL Draft seems ready to be a very interesting one for the team. With 10 picks, including two in the first round, the Browns are ready to make noise again for the second year in a row.
Instead the 2014 started off strong and ended with a thud. Last year the Browns draft included a big trade down and the drafting of Johnny Manziel. While the first round hasn’t panned out yet, the rest of the draft seems to be great. It is likely that GM Ray Farmer and Head Coach Mike Pettine see a greater need for more veteran talent on a very young roster and we expect them to be aggressive in seeking to bring in that talent during Browns free agency.
After free agency we wouldn’t be surprised if the Browns tried to trade their picks to move up, to get another veteran or went with best player available instead of drafting for need. Farmer did this last year when he drafted Joel Bitonio, Terrance West, Christian Kirksey and others instead of drafting a wide receiver. We could see that again.
In preparation for such we will be taking a look at certain players that we think the Browns could target. Keep in mind we are not saying that these are players they are targeting, although some rumors may start to leak of the Browns having interest in them, instead these are players that we think the Browns could or should have interest in. Our profile will try to include as much information as possible to prepare you for the NFL Draft.
Name
Position
Offensive Tackle
Height/Weight
6’5″, 308 lbs
School
Louisiana State University Tigers
Stats
N/A
2014 NFL Draft Comparison
Greg Robinson– 2nd overall (Rams) – La’El Collins is comparable in size, speed, and skill to that of the 2nd overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft Greg Robinson. Robinson has the prototypical frame for playing in the trenches; a wide frame with broad shoulders and long arms, not to mention a massive lower half that allows him to plant and control rushers. Robinson latches run-blockers well and easily overpowered his opponents, often driving them yards off the line of scrimmage. Robinson has a quick first step out of his stance and has the long arms and strength to catch edge rushers and hold the pocket.
2015 NFL Draft Range
10-20 Range 1st Round – The 2015 NFL Draft has great depth along the Offensive line, and La’El Collins is among the top in this draft class. Collins has started at left tackle for the Bayou Bengals the past two seasons, previous to that he played left guard during his sophomore season. Collins could have entered the draft in 2014 but opted to return to LSU to finish out his degree before venturing into the pros. Collins is a massive prototypical offensive tackle who has great strength and carries his weight very well for his massive frame. Collins is an above average athlete and is light on his feet, which you initially don’t expect based on his overall size (6’5″, 308 lbs).
Fit with the Browns
Collins is an ideal fit for the Browns. He possesses the necessary size, strength, and quickness to get to the second level when performing run blocking, and shows great range and agility to protect the edge. Collins would be an ideal fit to pair at left guard next to Joe Thomas and eventually slide to the left to take over the left tackle position when Thomas decides to retire.
- Run Blocking – Collins is a strong and athletic run blocker that is consistently able to over power defenders and drive them off the ball. Collins consistently creates running lanes for the running back that you could easily drive a Mack truck through. Collins initiates contact well, extends his arms and drive defenders down the field.
- Pass Protection – Collins possesses the necessary skills to be a solid pass blocker, his quick first step is ideal to maximize his effectiveness against edge defenders and his footwork is adequate for the tackle positions. Collins effectively mirrors his opponents and anchors well with his size and strength and can hold and drive back defenders; his overall strength allows him to overpower his opponent and not allow them to push him out of position or collapse the pocket.
Browns Player Selection Could Impact
Mitchell Schwartz – Mitchell Schwartz is a reoccurring name that is on the tongue of every Browns fan and it’s for good reason. Schwartz did a lackluster job in 2014 giving up 7 sacks, 3 QB hits, and 12 QB hurries on the right side of the offensive line. Schwartz is a serviceable player and the Browns would be wise to slide him to the left in the right guard position if the Browns select Collins. If Schwartz moves from right tackle to the right guard position that would free up veteran John Greco to be used as a role player along the line and fill in as a depth player. In 2014 the Browns offensive line suffered some major injuries to key players and exposed their lack of depth, Greco would be ideal as a role player because he can play multiple positions on the offensive line.
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How Selection Could Be Impacted By Free Agency
If the Browns choose to look at offensive line in free agency they will be less incline to use a high pick in the draft to fix their offensive line woes. The Browns have a number of needs to address in the off-season, but wide receiver and defensive line seem to be at the top of the list. Signing a free agent Guard or Tackle would address the needs along the line and allow the Browns to concentrate on finding a wide receiver or interior defensive tackle in the higher portions of the draft.
Priority
Medium-High – The Browns are a running team and need to continue to upgrade their offensive line, not to mention the Browns once again have question marks at Quarterback and solidifying the line can help them develop a passer. Drafting an upgrade at the right tackle spot would be an ideal move for the Browns, Thomas is likely to hit his decline in the next few years so the Browns should start to plan for the future. Drafting an upgrade at the right tackle spot who fits their system and can move over down the road is a perfect now and later type move
What do you think about targeting La’El Collins in the 2015 NFL Draft?
The video clips were provided courtesy of DraftBreakdown.com