Report: Patriots Met With ‘Freakish’ LB Prospect Compared to Brian Urlacher

The New England Patriots won’t stop adding power to their roster and this time they have met with a top LB prospect.

The team had a virtual meeting with one of the best linebacker prospects of the 2021 NFL Draft. Tulsa’s Zaven Collins has attracted the attention of several NFL teams.

Justin Melo from Draft Network reported that the Patriots are one of nine teams to schedule a meeting with the talented player. Collins is 21 and he is already a star.

Tulsa's Zaven Collins can do whatever you need him to. Rush the QB, drop in coverage & stop the run. A true chameleon that impacts the game everywhere.

He's met/will meet virtually with the #Saints, #Ravens, #Packers, #Broncos, #Jets, #Patriots, #Titans, #Cardinals & #Seahawks.

— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) March 4, 2021

Patriots met with the LB prospect before their free agent signings

It’s interesting to note that the Patriots met with Collins right before Bill Belichick’s shopping spree. He agreed to sign Matthew Judon, Kyle Van Noy, Raekwon McMillan Montravious Adams. These four will play with Dont’a Hightower, Josh Uche, Chase Winovich, Ja’Whaun Bentley, Terez Hall, Cassh Maluia, Anfernee Jennings, and Michael Pinckney.

The Patriots had too many depth issues at linebacker in 2020. Today, the are pretty crowd at this position. Not all players of this group will make the active roster. Collins is more like an inside linebacker. He has the same polisition as hightower, Wheatley, Hall, McMillan, Maluia, and Jennings.

Collins measures at 6’3’’ 260 pounds and has an excellent football IQ. He is explosive, and Belichick has three great reasons to bring him in New England. Some have even compared Collins to Brian Urlacher.

Words of praise for the linebacker

Jamie Rodriguez of The Raider Ramble wrote:

“On paper, Collins compares favorably to Hall-of-Fame linebacker Brian Urlacher. Obviously because of their size but both were always making plays whether it was big hits, causing fumbles, or interceptions. These two unicorns are rare and hard to find, so if you have the chance to get one, you better.”

Nick Falato of Big Blue View said the following:

“Exceptional size at 6-4, 260 pounds, and he possesses good athletic ability that is highlighted by his change of direction skills, lateral agility, and closing burst. He’s not going to run a 4.4, but he’s not a liability in terms of speed, either. Was used as a traditional linebacker, as a defensive lineman, and as an apex defender in the slot. Large tackle radius is an asset, but he’s prone to miss tackles; he has to break down, come to balance, and use his incredible physical gifts to secure the tackle down to the ground.

“Very effective as a blitzer – has some pass rushing moves and leverages his length well. Length closes throwing windows at the second level and he has a good feel in zone coverage. Receives a lot of Brian Urlacher comparisons due to his size. His best fit is in a blitz heavy defense that would routinely pit running backs in pass protection against him. Collins may find himself in the first round because of his incredible size and ability to move in space, despite only receiving one college scholarship coming out of high school.”