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NFL free agency 2019: Top 50 available players

By Conor Myles

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 31: Houston Texans defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (90) lines up before the snap during the NFL game between the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans on December 31, 2017, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 31: Houston Texans defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (90) lines up before the snap during the NFL game between the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans on December 31, 2017, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER 18: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Landon Collins #21 of the New York Giants in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on November 18, 2018 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated the Buccaneers 38-35. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER 18: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Landon Collins #21 of the New York Giants in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on November 18, 2018 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated the Buccaneers 38-35. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

9. Landon Collins, S

Collins has become one of the better, harder-hitting safeties in the NFL after a rough rookie season in 2015. The New York Giants defender has racked up 352 tackles with a tackling grade above the league average at 65 in his four seasons as a starter, according to Pro Football Focus.

The number one factor that hurts Collins’ stock the most is the defensive back’s lackluster coverage skills. The safety improved his overall coverage in 2016 and 2017 but took a step back in James Bettcher’s defense in 2018 when he struggled. He was targeted 43 times by opposing quarterbacks, allowing 33 receptions, and a career-worst passer rating of 127.8.

Collins would be a perfect fit with a defensive mind like the Carolina Panthers’ Ron Rivera and could lead to the safety reaching his full potential. Pete Carroll and the Seattle Seahawks also make sense as a possible landing spot, as could the Indianapolis Colts under an up-and-coming defensive mind like Matt Eberflus.

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