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2015 NFL Draft Profile: La’el Collins, OT LSU

By Adam Carlson

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With the 2015 NFL Combine currently going on in Indianapolis, Indiana, all the eyes of draftniks have shifted to these young prospects attempting to establish their place in the NFL.  One of those young men is LSU offensive tackle La’el Collins.

La’el Collins was impressive in the SEC West, outmuscling most of his opposition with relative ease.  However, defenders with more finesse can catch Collins off balance since he tends to block with his body instead of using his feet to get between the pass rusher and the quarterback.

Collins is at his best when he’s out there to be physical.  The run game is where he seems to really excel, mauling paths for running backs with his strength.  Teams looking to improve their run game will definitely be taking a very hard look at the LSU standout, who confirmed his status as one of the draft’s top offensive linemen at the 2015 NFL Combine.

Combine Measurables:

  • Height: 6’4″
  • Weight: 305 pounds
  • Arm Length: 33.5″
  • Hand Size: 10.375″
  • 40 Yard Dash: 5.12 seconds
  • Bench Press: 21 reps
  • Vertical Jump: 27″
  • Broad Jump: 108″
  • 3 Cone Drill: 7.70 seconds
  • 20 Yard Shuffle: 4.63 seconds

Draft Projection

CBS Sports has La’el Collins as their #13 overall prospect as of this writing and their #3 offensive tackle.  He should be a first round selection in the 2015 NFL Draft.

Fit For The Vikings

Minnesota will be looking for someone to push current left side offensive tackle Matt Kalil, yet be versatile enough to play left guard if needed while Kalil gets another chance.

My Take

While La’el Collins is a monster of a man, I feel he projects better as an NFL right tackle than left.  His mean streak and physical strength would be better suited to that side than to be a “dancing bear” type left tackle.  Minnesota has their needs filled at right tackle with Phil Loadholt, therefore I don’t see La’el Collins in the Vikings draft plans unless they anticipate using him solely at guard.

Next: Top 10 Biggest Vikings Salaries For 2015

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