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2021 NFL Mock Draft: First-round projections after Super Bowl LV

By Connor Muldowney

Trevor Lawrence (from left), Justin Fields, Zach WilsonNflqbdraft
Trevor Lawrence (from left), Justin Fields, Zach WilsonNflqbdraft /
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TAMPA, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 23: Zaven Collins #23 of the Tulsa Golden Hurricane runs in a touchdown after intercepting a pass thrown by Noah Johnson #0 of the South Florida Bulls during the second half at Raymond James Stadium on October 23, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 23: Zaven Collins #23 of the Tulsa Golden Hurricane runs in a touchdown after intercepting a pass thrown by Noah Johnson #0 of the South Florida Bulls during the second half at Raymond James Stadium on October 23, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

player. 35. Scouting Report. Tulsa. Zaven Collins. 22. Pick Analysis. EDGE

I’m firmly planted on the Zaven Collins hype train and if you’ve watch the Tulsa star play, you probably are, too.

Collins was awarded the Bronko Nagurski Trophy in 2020 which is given to the best defensive player in college football and he was also the AAC’s defensive player of the year as well as an All-American. These are the type of accolades you don’t usually see coming from a school like Tulsa, but he was that good and that impactful.

The junior followed up a breakout sophomore season of 97 tackles, eight tackles for loss, two sacks and three pass deflections with an even better, yet shortened, junior year. He recorded 54 tackles with 7.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, four interceptions, two pick-sixes, two pass deflections and two forced fumbles. This dude was versatile.

And the versatility has to have caught the attention of former NFL linebacker turned Titans head coach Mike Vrabel. He has to look at Collins and see a future superstar.

Tennessee needs an edge rusher and interior defensive linemen, but snagging arguably the most versatile defender in the draft class at No. 22 would not be the worst move in the world.

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