NFL WAR ROOM // NICO COLLINS WR, MICHIGAN 6’4 225 LBS Sr.
When it comes to evaluating the wide receiver we must all fight the urge to fall in love with “High production insulated” prospects, as well as the “Super Athlete/Questionable Player” prospects, but one thing is for sure you better know what skill set you are bringing into your respective scheme. I personally have always been an advocate of having a corp constructed of versatility. A wise coordinator will always see what he does well more than what he does not, and maximizing his ceiling. Yes NFL Coaches are still responsible for coaching, and developing talent it’s how you build an organization that can stay competitive for multiple eras. Wide outs can be a complete crap shoot, but the “Generational Guys” typically are on NFL Radars since the age of 15. University of Michigan standout Nico Collins is possibly one of those guys. A former 5-star recruit in 2016 from the State of Alabama Collins finally decided that Michigan was his home after a tough walk away from originally committing to the University of Alabama. Let’s take a look at Nico’s career at Michigan, as well as his skill set, and how he projects to the next level.
First thing you jump to immediately about Nico Collins is his outstanding size/frame, and catch radius. Has huge hands, attacks and traps the football consistently, and plays true to his size. He’s a big athletic receiver who plays big, which can be the difference between a touchdown and an interception. Does an excellent job at exploiting the route tree he is given at Michigan considering the programs offensive woes with playcalling, and the QB position. He’s virtually uncoverable in man press, man zone, or any man defense you choose to play that does not consist of some consistent safety shading to his side. Long strider that builds up very good long speed, but won’t eat up much 10 to 20yds. Meaning he’s a strong runner who’s not gonna win the fly route 10 to 20yds, but more so at the top of the route 20-40yds. A redzone nightmare that can’t be single covered does a great job of adjusting to the catch point on poor throws. Outstanding body control plays very physical through contact, and seems to be well aware of his prototype of a wideout. Very important to know who you are! On and Off the field. Willing blocker not as physical as expected or would like, but doesn’t shy away from the fight. He seems to be most comfortable running digs, deep outs, comebacks, and posts, but to only be fair his route tree in 3 seasons at Michigan hasn’t been created that extensively which makes evaluating him more intriguing. In his first 3 seasons in Ann Arbor he’s put up mixed reviews production wise, but he has seen a steady growth statistically every season including last season 2019 with a career 7td catches on just 37 receptions at a clip of 19.7 per grab. Nico Collins has all the physical traits scouts search for in a No.1 Target minus the top end speed which is concerning some NFL Executives. With the emphasis in today’s game defensively being geared so heavily towards light & fast the ability for you to not only separate, but separate extremely quickly is paramount. Big Wide Receivers who struggle to separate find themselves outta favor with their QB, and outta the league rapidly. Guys like Roy Williams, Laquan Treadwell, David Terrell, and Reggie Williams were all Big, Athletic Guys who struggled to separate that went high in the 1st round of the NFL Draft whose careers shortly fizzled out. Nico’s skill set, attitude, and work ethic seems to be further along in his college realm than the before mentioned which gives me belief that we haven’t seen anywhere near the best of him. With Donovan Peoples-Jones in the NFL, and Tarik Black at The University of Texas now via transfer portal it is Nico Collins the last remaining of the triplets opportunity now to truly showcase and remind the Nation why he was the No.1 Wideout in his class.
