The Steelers could be leaning towards a running back in the first round of the NFL Draft, but here’s why Tulsa linebacker Zaven Collins would be a better pick.
There usually aren’t a lot of surprises at this stage in the pre-draft process, but on Sunday, talk of Zaven Collins going to the Steelers stirred back up again. Bryan Broaddus of 105.3 The Fan reported that Pittsburgh is eyeing the big linebacker – possibly as an option to play opposite of T.J. Watt at right outside linebacker.
While we can argue about the validity of his comments and whether or not there is any truth to this, I certainly believe that drafting a player like Collins with the 24th pick is much better than the possible alternative. I am referring to taking a running back in the first round – more specifically, Alabama’s Najee Harris. Though Collins may not fill a bigger area of need, there are three reasons he would end up being a much better pick for the Steelers than taking a player like Harris in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft:
More important position on the Steelers
For starters, Collins plays a more important position. Analytics tell us that running back is one of the least valuable (and most replaceable) positions in all of football. While middle linebackers are also pretty low on the list, Collins is a player who should not be pigeonholed into playing one role if drafted by the Steelers.
At nearly 6’5” and 260 pounds, Collins has the frame to play multiple linebacker roles in Pittsburgh, and when you put on his tape, it’s not hard to see how he could be used as an edge defender. Collins’ position flexibility and impressive skill set will allow him to stay on the field for every down. In addition, he’s a guy who could earn a second contact for the team, whereas Harris – because of the position he plays – should be gone after 4 or 5 seasons.