Seahawks Draft Prospect Profile, RB Alex Collins
By Dan Viens
With the NFL scouting combine underway in Indianapolis, we take a look at some possible Seattle Seahawks draft targets.
The NFL Draft is fast approaching and teams all around the NFL are working furiously to put together their draft boards. For the Seattle Seahawks, this is a crucial year for GM John Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll. The last couple of drafts have produced more depth than superstars, but with their high-priced young core now causing annual salary cap constraints, they find themselves needing to hit on a couple starter-quality players this time around.
Let’s take a look at some players who may appear to be a fit in Seattle, regardless of round.
ALEX COLLINS, RB, Arkansas
SPECS:
- Height – 5’10”
- Weight – 217 lbs
- Arms – 30 1/4″
- 40 yard dash – 4.59
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STRENGTHS: Collins wins with his outstanding vision and instincts as a runner. Time and time again you’ll see him make a quick, decisive cut as soon as he’s handed the ball, and once he gets to the second level he has enough speed to break long runs.
Watch at the 1:15 mark here as he makes a two-footed jump stop and then accelerates quickly to create a long gain.
Playing for Brett Bielema at Arkansas he’s been in a pro-style system and a zone running scheme with the QB under center and at times a fullback in front of him. The transition to the NFL will be more seamless for him than some of the other RB prospects. He’s well built and doesn’t shy away from contact. He’s been referred to as “Junior Beast Mode” because of his dreadlocks, but to say he’s as physical a runner as Marshawn Lynch is a huge stretch. Scored 32 rushing TD’s in his Razorback career.
WEAKNESSES: Is unproven as a pass catcher and has had ball control issues.
HOW HE WOULD FIT FOR THE SEAHAWKS: The Seahawks are determined to add another back (or two) who can compete with 2nd year back Thomas Rawls. Ideally they can have a two-headed monster at the position. Collins isn’t the biggest name out there but he’s an outstanding prospect. His running style is well-suited for the Seahawks scheme and he’s a red zone beast.
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At some point, Seattle will select a running back. Most projections have Collins settling into the 3rd round range where the Hawks have two picks. That might just be the ideal time to take a running back.