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Washington Football Team 7-round NFL mock draft: All defense

By Ken Johannesen

MOBILE, AL - JANUARY 30: Safety Damar Hamlin #33 from Pittsburgh of the National Team warms up before the start of the 2021 Resse's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on the campus of the University of South Alabama on January 30, 2021 in Mobile, Alabama. The National Team defeated the American Team 27-24. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
MOBILE, AL - JANUARY 30: Safety Damar Hamlin #33 from Pittsburgh of the National Team warms up before the start of the 2021 Resse's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on the campus of the University of South Alabama on January 30, 2021 in Mobile, Alabama. The National Team defeated the American Team 27-24. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 23: Zaven Collins #23 of the Tulsa Golden Hurricane runs in a touchdown after intercepting a pass thrown by Noah Johnson #0 of the South Florida Bulls during the second half at Raymond James Stadium on October 23, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 23: Zaven Collins #23 of the Tulsa Golden Hurricane runs in a touchdown after intercepting a pass thrown by Noah Johnson #0 of the South Florida Bulls during the second half at Raymond James Stadium on October 23, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

Round 1 – Zaven Collins, Linebacker, Tulsa – 6-4, 260

The Washington Football Team is in dire need of linebackers, so don’t be surprised if the front office targets one in the first round.  Zaven Collins is arguably the most talented linebacker in the 2021 draft and he could be there for Washington with the 19th overall draft pick.  Analysts have universally said that Collins is an all-around prospect with skills that defy the laws of basic athleticism.

Collins has the build of an edge rusher or defensive end.  He has the sideline-to-sideline speed of an elite safety. The Tulsa, OK native has the football smarts of a defensive assistant coach. Collins is also a team leader in the locker room.  Each of these attributes has come together to produce one of the best defensive players in the nation. In fact, Collins won the Bronko Nagurski award for the best defensive player in the nation for 2020.

What can fans of the Washington Football Team expect from Collins if he is in a Burgundy and Gold uniform in 2021?  Fully abstracted, he can do it all.

Collins is able to drop back in coverage effectively or disrupt passing lanes over the middle.  He is a terror for opposing running backs.  This Golden Hurricane can reach the quarterback quickly in the backfield or with any scramble.  He has a knack for scoring defensive touchdowns.  Do you need a forced fumble or fumble recovery?  He can do that as well.

Other sports that Collins participated in included basketball, baseball, track, and gymnastics.  His favorite sport (other than football) is golf.  Could we see him on the Senior Tour in the future?  Also, he is an avid outdoorsman.  What’s not to like about this young man?  He is a perfect fit for Washington and the team needs a playmaker at linebacker.

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