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2015 NFL Draft: 8 overrated prospects who could ‘bust’

By Andrew Garda

May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; General view of a 2014 NFL draft football and helmet before the start of the 2014 NFL draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; General view of a 2014 NFL draft football and helmet before the start of the 2014 NFL draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) is brought down by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Landon Collins (26) during the first half in the 2015 Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) is brought down by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Landon Collins (26) during the first half in the 2015 Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

Landon Collins, S, Alabama

Believe it or not this isn’t about the theory or belief that Nick Saban and Alabama wring all the talent out of a player before they enter the NFL, mostly because that doesn’t really seem to apply anymore, as USA Today’s Nate Davis wrote recently.

No, this is concern about his actual play.

There’s no denying that Collins has a lot going for him, but he’s got some downside as well. For all his aggressive style and overall speed, Collins is a tremendous liability in assisting coverage. He’s inconsistent in when in coverage by himself as well, and gets caught peeking in the backfield way too often. He was beaten for a few key touchdowns in games as well.

Collins has a hard time recovering when he’s beat as well, with average (at best) recovery speed. He also has very inconsistent hands – average at the best of times and downright terrible at others.

Can Collins be a very good safety? Sure, he has the overall skills.

But he’s got the flaws as well. The question is whether he should go in the first round and while he is rated there by many, there should be some concern.

Next: Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA

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