Zaven Collins gives the Steelers a defensive chess piece at No. 24

The Pittsburgh Steelers come in the 2021 draft with some requirements to attend to, particularly along the trenches. The Steelers can definitely utilize help along the offending line, particularly at tackle and center, however with the exit of Bud Dupree and Ola Adeniyi, they could also use depth and skill at EDGE.

Nevertheless, at the spot they presently are in the draft, they would not be in the wrong to go BPA in this circumstance, and that’s precisely what Behind the Steel Drape decided to do at No. 24.

With the 24^th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers choose …

Zaven Collins, POUND, Tulsa

From Jeff Hartman at Behind the Steel Drape:

The Pittsburgh Steelers need help on the offending side of the ball, specifically on the offending line, but there are potential customers you simply can’t pass on. Collins is one of those potential customers.
Collins will be released as a hybrid linebacker who can do it all. He can play inside alongside Devin Bush, and can even flex to the outside to press the quarterback on the edge.
A protector like Collins will make the loss of Bud Dupree less unpleasant, but will likewise add a component to the defense the Steelers’ currently rock solid defense even much better. Collins is the type of gamer who can assist the defense from Day 1, and an instant effect gamer is just what the Steelers needed from their very first round draft choice.
With the dynamic Collins, the Steelers will turn their attention to offensive needs in the next rounds. Try to find the Steelers to make a play on a center, running back and takes on in the center rounds of the draft to hopefully complete a tremendous 2021 draft class.

Zaven Collins is a huge, effective and extremely athletic linebacker with all the instincts and intelligence you desire in a player. At 6′ 5 and 259 pounds, the range and lateral mobility Collins displays on the field is quite fantastic. Collins also understands how to utilize his size and length as he has a broad take on radius and is a consistent finisher. From a psychological element, Collins likewise processes and medical diagnosis things in front of him rapidly and closes in a rush to fill his spaces in the running video game.

For a male of his size, Zaven Collins moves surprisingly well in space and certainly has some protection capabilities. Collins shows good awareness in zone coverage, and he has some male protection capabilities with his athleticism, speed and length to handle tight ends and running backs if required. What is most fun about a player like Collins is, despite the fact that he is disciplined in his run fits and has some coverage chops, he can also be used in pass rushing circumstances. Provided the EDGE scenario the Steelers presently have on the roster, Collins can take on some snaps coming off the edge when needed.

Zaven Collins can be a versatile playmaker for the Steelers on a currently great defense. He was a consistent playmaker for the Golden Hurricanes and had actually only improved as his profession progressed.

Collins isn’t a sleek rusher off the edge and will require to deal with using his hands more when taking on blocks, but there are no limitations to what he can do. Despite the fact that Collins has been deemed an off the ball linebacker, he projects to be anything the Steelers require him to be on the defense. Yes, this kid is just that talented.