Seahawks 2021 draft target: Nico Collins is an explosive receiver
I’ve said multiple times that this Seahawks offense needs one more weapon to push the team to the top. Nico Collins is a player that could represent this weapon.
Collins would slide perfectly into the Seahawks offense from day one. He’s explosive, makes contested catches, and is mostly a downfield threat. However, I believe that he could be developed into a midfield receiver. After all, Russell Wilson is already acquainted with DK Metcalf running most of the deep routes in the offense.
Nico Collins is a physical specimen, something that the Seahawks have apparently become more attracted to in the recent past. He stands 6’4″ and weighs 216 pounds, making him an obvious comparison to Metcalf. He’s not quite as fast as DK, but he’s still quick for his size. He ran a 4.43 40 yard dash at his Pro Day. Another reason I see him as fitting in on the inside for Seattle should they take a chance on him.
His hands are solid, and he has the ability to take passes over the middle to the second level. One weakness I did find with Collins is that his routes aren’t too crisp, and they could use some refining. If the Seahawks are looking for a receiver who’s perfect, they may have to reach further, but I think Collins will end up being a value pick to whichever team selects him.
Will the Seahawks have a chance to draft Nico Collins?
Unsure. He’s ranked in the early 3rd round range on average over the few sites I consulted. Luckily for the Seahawks, Collins’ draft stock has fallen just a bit since he opted out of the 2020 season, leaving scouts with less tape on him.
The Seahawks will likely trade back from pick 56, and by trading back may have a selection that falls in the range that Collins will be picked. With the limited capital this team has, I don’t see it spending one of its highest picks in the class on a receiver. I think the Seahawks may take a receiver in the later rounds since they only need one to fill in at the wide receiver 3 slot.
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However, if the coaching staff deem receiver to be a bigger need heading into this draft, there’s a chance this team takes a stab at a receiver in this range. It worked out 2 years ago when Seattle picked a player who’s now a top-10 receiver at the end of the 2nd round. This year, they may have a chance to take Nico Collins, who could be a real difference-maker not only this year but for many years ahead.