La'el Collins

There are two basic truths evaluators have grown used to when scouting LSU - for one, the team will be loaded with talent. Second, the talent is so rich so that the best players rarely use all of their collegiate eligibility before leaving for the NFL. Unlike many of his former teammates, Collins elected to return for his senior season despite the fact that he reportedly earned a first round grade from the NFL Advisory Committee. Collins certainly did nothing to harm that grade in 2014, putting forth yet another dominant campaign at left tackle for the Tigers and following that up with a strong performance at the Senior Bowl. Collins earned immediate playing time for the Tigers as a true freshman, playing in seven games at left guard. He took over the starting position a year later, leading the team in total snaps (846) and knockdown blocks (64.5) while earning Honorable Mention honors from the AP. Collins made the switch to left tackle as a junior, earning second-team All-SEC accolades from league coaches and posting another 65 knockdown blocks despite missing one game (Furman) due to injury. Collins possesses a square-ish build that makes him appear better suited to guard. His combination of surprisingly light feet, bullish power and competitiveness could earn him Pro Bowl nods. He's quick enough to remain at tackle for power-running teams, which only makes Collins that much more valuable in the eyes of scouts.

collins' aggression is admirable but also leads to mistakes. rather than patiently waiting for defenders to come to him, collins will occasionally lunge, making himself top-heavy and prone to slipping down the body of his opponent. this can lead to his hands getting too low or slipping onto the side and/or back of defenders, which invites them to swim over the top of him to disengage.

COMPARISON TO

as a pass blocker, collins shows good initial quickness in his kick-slide and uses his long reach to maintain the arc. when he gets his hands on opponents and remains square, it is generally lights out for the defender. collins showed his willingness to potentially convert inside, impressing on a few snaps at left guard at the senior bowl.

WEAKNESSES

strengths

Collins sports a thick, powerful frame that makes him about as difficult to move as a chest freezer. His frame belies his quick feet, an attribute that when combined with his long arms, impressive strength and aggression make him a devastating run blocker. Collins is often the quickest of LSU's offensive linemen off the snap and he routinely drives his assignment off the line of scrimmage with pure power, creating easy running lanes for LSU's backs. He's surprisingly quick to the second level and has good body control to adjust to moving targets.

collins left chicago shortly before the draft to address an off-field issue in which police wanted to speak to him regarding the shooting death of a 29-year-old pregnant woman. he was not considered a suspect, but the timing of the issue left his draft stock in limbo.

He does not possess elite balance and can be challenged by speed-rushers. He'll over-compensate occasionally and leave the inside open for counters.

james carpenter, jets

Collins is a better athlete than Carpenter and therefore may be likelier to remain outside than Alabama's former tackle, who has since become a mauling run blocker at left guard with the Seahawks.

One of the premiere offensive tackles in the nation

Was called by many as arguably the best offensive lineman to ever come out of Louisiana

Named a 2011 first team Parade All-America on offense

A five-star prospect by every major recruiting source

Has massive upper body and huge hands with quick feet

Ranked No. 6 in Rivals Top 100 and the No. 1 recruit coming out of the state by Rivals and Tigerbait.com

Ranked No. 2 offensive tackle by Scout.com

Ranked No. 8 in ESPN 150

Ranked No. 2 in Sporting News Top 100

Rated No. 9 in PrepStar Top 150

Named to RivalsHigh 2010 All-American team and USA Today All-USA High School team

Selected as a member of the 2011 U.S. Under-19 National Team assembled by USA Football

Participated in the 2011 Under Armour All-America game

Named a New Orleans Times Picayune Blue-Chip recruit

Selected as a member of The Baton Rouge Advocate's Super Dozen

Named to the Louisiana 3A All-State team his final three seasons of high school

Coached by Guy Mistretta.

Parents are Loyetta Collins and David Phillips

Born July 26, 1993.