Why the Washington Football Team should draft Zaven Collins

Tulsa LB Zaven Collins. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Tulsa LB Zaven Collins. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports /
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This piece is part of the Riggo’s Rag Roundtable debate about the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. For more Washington Football Team Round 1 options, click here.

As we return to another roundtable from the various contributors at Riggo’s Rag, the focus today is on the Washington Football Team’s pick in the first round and why Zaven Collins should be the choice.

When it is time for Washington to pick in the first round of next month’s NFL Draft, the front office is likely to have a myriad of choices.  Trade up.  Trade down.  Select a defensive player.  Select an offensive player.

More from Riggo's Rag

With the 19th overall draft choice, the Washington Football Team will have a solid opportunity to improve the roster and find another building block for the future.

The good news is that the 2021 draft is full of blue-chip players in the first round and any of these athletes will be a welcomed addition to the Burgundy and Gold.  One such player is all but destined to become a defense force in the league.  Linebacker Zaven Collins of the Tulsa Golden Hurricane is an All-American dream – an elite talent with a high moral compass.

Why the Washington Football Team should draft Zaven Collins

It is not an exaggeration to think that Collins could become the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year for 2021.  He would be the second straight player from the Washington Football Team to win that honor (Chase Young in 2020).

At the very least, the powers that be in Ashburn would get a player that has a non-stop motor and a bona fide starter from day one.  His skills are elite and Collins will be a force in the NFL for a decade or more.

In a pinch, Collins can play each of the three linebacker positions and he can line up on the edge or as a defensive end.  However, his true calling will be as a sideline to sideline player.

Need a sack?  Collins can do that.  Need a fumble or fumble recovery?  He can do that.  Need an interception or pick-six?  He can do that.  Collins will also generate tackles for losses and he will shut down wide receivers, tight ends, and running backs coming over the middle.

On Sunday, I posted a defense-only mock draft and the first-round choice was Collins.  In that mock, you will find a link to a story about Collins.  Be sure to read that article.  You will get to know an exceptional and very mature young man.

These are the reasons why he would be such a great fit in Jack Del Rio’s defense.  At 6-4, 260, Collins is slightly bigger than the prototypical linebacker in today’s NFL and that will be to his advantage.

In this roundtable, you will read about many fine candidates for the 19th overall draft pick and the Washington Football Team should come away with a great player.  Adding Tulsa’s Zaven Collins could turn the defense from a solid unit to an elite force in the league.

One additional note:  Collins didn’t face power five talent in college, but that should not be a deterrent.  However, it could drop his stock somewhat and Washington may trade down a bit and still snag Collins.

Are you now impressed with this young man?  Can you imagine him in a Washington Football Team uniform for many years to come?  Zaven Collins is a logical choice for the Burgundy and Gold.  You can stop drooling now!

dark. Next. More first round options for the WFT

Click the links below to read about each Washington Football Team Round 1 option.

Roundtable: Who should the Washington Football Team select in Round 1?