2021 NFL Mock Draft: Washington Football Team goes offense in Round 1

The Browns have a team that’s on the cusp of being a true contender, but they have to upgrade their defense if they’re going to do that. They need some pass-rushing help, some upgrades in the secondary, and a do-it-all linebacker to place the departed Joe Schobert.

Zaven Collins would help fill in the latter-most need and the former-most need a bit. Playing at Tulsa this year, Collins set his draft stock ablaze by performing well in all aspects of the game.

Collins played in eight games in 2020 and racked up 54 tackles, four sacks, and a whopping four interceptions. He returned two of those picks for touchdowns and was also able to force a couple of fumbles.

Collins stands at an imposing 6-foot-4 and tips the scales at 260 pounds. He’s a true hybrid player and for the Browns, it may actually make sense to play him on the defensive line to help replace Olivier Vernon. He could certainly play linebacker as well, so the Browns will probably use him in a variety of different roles over the season.

If the Browns think that Collins might be a better fit as a rush linebacker in a 3-4 defense, they could pass on him and target another option here. They also could consider adding another receiver here to upgrade their offense, and Kadarius Toney could certainly intrigue Kevin Stefanski.