(Photo by Joe Murphy/Getty Images)
Standout Tulsa linebacker Zaven Collins had his pro day today and as expected, he put up some impressive numbers. At 6-foot-4, 260 pounds, Collins ran a 4.56 in the 40-yard dash. Collins' forty-time matches his speed on the football field, as he's always running to the ball and making great pursuit plays.
Mike Tomlin and Kevin Colbert were not at the Tulsa pro day to watch Collins, but according to Michael Beck of Behind the Steel Curtain via Jeremie Poplin, Steelers scout Kelvin Fisher and assistant outside linebackers coach Denzel Martin were in attendance at Tulsa’s pro day today.
The Steelers have met with a lot of inside linebackers during the draft process and Collins would certainly be a fit in the Steelers defense. Collins paired with Devin Bush would be a lethal duo, as both possess incredible athleticism. It sure looks like the Steelers will target an inside linebacker in the draft, as Robert Spillane is their only other option next to Bush as of right now. A lot of teams in the draft will covet Collins' measurables, versatility and football IQ, which is why he should be a mid-to-late first-round pick.
Lance Zierlein of NFL.com has the Steelers selecting Collins at 24th overall in his latest mock draft.
"When the need matches the talent available, everyone is happy. Collins has throwback size, but new-school athleticism and coverage ability as a three-down player," Zierlien said about Collins being a fit for the Steelers.