La’el Collins OT LSU #70
Wt: 315
Size/Athleticism: Built more like a guard than a tackler. Does not have ideal length for a tackle (arms are on the short side at 33″). Athleticism is moderate for a tackle but would be an asset if he shifted inside to guard.
Pass Protection: Plays out of control, frequently lunging at pass-rusher. Very inconsistent hand use. Tendency to lunge to made worse by his short arms. Does not have the athleticism and balance to quickly recover. Fights hard but doesn’t really have the elite strength to be a true finisher—pass-rusher frequently are able to disengage if the play extends. Foot quickness is below average—he can be fooled by edge rusher that start outside and shift in, and does not have the quickness to recover.
Run Blocking: Fights extremely hard as a run blocker. Strong lower body allows him to drive his man off his spot. Capable of getting to the second level and his move blocking would be an asset as a guard.
Intangibles: Played left guard as a sophomore before shifting to left tackle. Team captain. Received high praise from coaching staff.
Durability: Four-year starter with only one game missed with undisclosed injury.
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Overview: Collins’ physical build makes him look like a better fit at guard, and he may end up there. However, he still moves well enough to play right tackle and his nasty demeanor will endear him to teams interested in developing a physical running game. At tackle, he lacks the fundamentals to be consistent in pass-protection. A contender would probably need to play him at guard initially, awhile a rebuilding franchise may be willing to tolerate him learning on the job at right tackle. The LSU coaching staff loved him and he was voted a team captain. While the upside may be somewhat limited, he’s probably among the safer bets in this class to have a long NFL career.