Philadelphia Eagles, seven-round mock draft: Picking 12th
By Hunter Doyle
Zaven Collins gives Philadelphia Eagles some stability at linebacker.
Another front office may jump at Zaven Collins in round one, but if he does make it to 37 as we project here (fingers are crossed), the Philadelphia Eagles shouldn’t waste any extra time sending the pick in.
The Bronko Nagurski Award winner is an absolute steal on day two. Offensive playmakers will run in fear when facing Collins in the open field. He is the definition of an athlete.
Zaven can lay the boom at six-foot-four, 260 pounds but also flies around the field with exceptional range and instincts. With Alex Singleton returning for the 2021 season, the Birds can pair him up with one of the best off-ball linebackers in recent draft history.
Zaven has the ability to change a game in an instant with a big hit, an interception, a sack, or a forced fumble. He can do anything that is asked of him including special teams. He might end up being the best defensive player in this draft by the end of his career.
The film is telling, but so is Collins’ production. He finished his college career with 129 solo tackles, 25 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, four interceptions (returned for 152 yards), two defensive touchdowns, three forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries.
He was literally everywhere. This young Philadelphia Eagles linebacker corps gets a massive boost if they add Collins to the mix. New defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon coached under Mike Zimmer for quite some time. If he employs some of the pressure packages including the double-a gap blitz, Zaven’s pass-rushing ability would be on full display.