2021 NFL Mock Draft: First-round projections after national championship

One of the fastest-rising prospects this year is Zaven Collins, a linebacker from Tulsa who proved to be one of the nation’s best at the position in 2020.

Actually, he was effective in 2018 and 2019 but flew under the radar a bit, and that had something to do with the program for which he played.

As a freshman, Collins had 85 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks as he burst onto the scene for the Golden Hurricane. He only improved as a sophomore, recording 97 tackles, eight tackles for loss, two sacks and three pass deflections. In a shortened 2020 season, he had 54 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, four sacks and four interceptions. He also had two pass deflections, two defensive touchdowns and two forced fumbles.

After this huge junior season, he won the Nagurski Trophy, given to the nation’s best defensive player. Yes, he finally got put on the map.

That has been enough to earn him some first-round grades by draft experts. Some even believe he’s the most dynamic defensive player in the class and his athleticism, size, IQ and intangibles make him a steal at No. 32 by the Chiefs.

Just what the NFL needs, an even scarier Chiefs roster.