2015 NFL Draft Profile: Landon Collins, S Alabama

Defensive players from Alabama seem to get a lot of attention around draft time, and that trend continues with safety Landon Collins. His instincts to find the ball and physically aggressive manner of play can strike fear into opposing players. He’s a monster in run support, punishing ball carriers and keeping the play in front of him.

But that can’t be said for his work in pass coverage. In that respect, he will need to get significantly better before he’ll be a great NFL safety, but that is something that can be taught with the right coaching and helped to develop in the right schemes. Another area where he struggles is interceptions, where he drops too many passes that should typically be easy picks.

Despite the fact that he’s not a complete safety, Landon Collins will be an early selection that could develop into one of the best defensive players of this draft class with some hard work and good coaching. Watch for a team that struggles against the run game or short passes to pull the trigger on Collins in the top half of the 2015 NFL Draft.

Jan 1, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Landon Collins (26) on the field against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the fourth quarter of the 2015 Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

Combine Measurables:

Height: 6’0″
Weight: 228 pounds
Arm Length: 31.5″
Hand Size: 9.375″
40 Yard Dash: 4.53 seconds
Bench Press: N/A
Vertical Jump: 35″
Broad Jump: 120″
3 Cone Drill: 7.38 seconds
20 Yard Shuttle: 4.33 seconds

Draft Projection

Alabama safety Landon Collins is the #19 overall prospect in the 2015 NFL Draft according to CBS Sports and is their #1 safety available.

NFL Player Comparison

NFL.com: Johnathan Cyprien, Jacksonville Jaguars
CBSSports.com: T.J. Ward, Denver Broncos

Fit For The Vikings

Landon Collins could fit in nicely being paired with Harrison Smith in Minnesota’s secondary and could be an upgrade over current starter Robert Blanton.

My Take

Personally, I’d love to see Landon Collins be the Vikings pick at #11 overall. Collins is the kind of player that can be a game changer on defense and make an impact on a regular basis. However, there are bigger needs on the team at the moment and Collins might be considered a bit of a luxury pick at this point. Still, if he is still available at #11, expect the Vikings to consider him.

Next: Top 10 Biggest Vikings Salaries For 2015

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