Scouting Profile: Alabama S Landon Collins
Get an in-depth look at the top prospects in this year's draft class leading up to the NFL draft, which takes place from April 30 to May 2 in Chicago.
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Landon Collins
Position: S
School: Alabama
College Experience: Junior
Height: 6-0
Weight: 228 lbs.
Age: 21
Combine Results
| Event | Result |
|---|---|
| 40-yd dash | 4.53 sec |
| Bench Press | N/A |
| Vertical Jump | 35 inches |
| Broad Jump | 120 inches |
| 3-Cone Drill | 7.38 sec |
| 20-yd Shuttle | 4.43 sec |
Strengths
- Provides excellent run support, and does a great job of tracking down the ball-carrier and wrapping up.
- Rotates hips well when squared up against smaller, more agile wide receivers.
- Has the ability to lock down an entire side of the field and has better lateral movement than most safeties.
- Can deliver punishing hits in the open field.
Weaknesses
- Spends too much time watching the play develop and can be beat by a decisive quarterback with a quick release.
- Not very quick for a safety and could get burned playing "centerfield" at the NFL level.
- Drops interception opportunities routinely, and will need to become more sure-handed.
NFL player comparison: Donte Whitner
Collins, much like Whitner, excels as a run-stopping strong safety. The Alabama standout is a proficient hitter in the open field and will be expected to jar balls loose like Whitner has in the NFL. Collins also possesses some of the same weaknesses as Whitner, particularly in coverage. Nonetheless, the 21-year-old appears poised to mimic the three-time Pro-Bowler's career.
Ideal fit: Houston Texans
Houston needs a very good strong safety to round out its defense, with its chief rival, Indianapolis, loading up on offensive talent in free agency. Collins would be an upgrade over incumbent starting strong safety D.J. Swearinger, and would quietly form one of the better pairings in the league alongside the newly-acquired Rahim Moore.
Draft projection: Round 1 (8-25)