Green Bay Packers Position Analysis, Volume VII: Defensive Backs

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2008: seven interceptions (295 return yards, three touchdowns), 18 passes defensed, one fumble forced, 99 tackles (77 solo)

Collins was tied for the team lead in interceptions and led in both return yards and scores. He appropriately made the Pro Bowl in 2008, despite playing through a back injury that limited his play, especially in October. Clearly, that earns him an A for 2008.

His future is bright, as he is in his mid-20's and has not peaked yet. However, there have been some rumblings that he is not happy with his contract.

While Ted Thompson's policy is supposed to be to save cap room (and he has more of it than almost any other team) to re-sign his own players, this is a deep position for the team, especially after they added Anthony Smith in the off-season.

My guess is the two sides will work this out for 2009, and thus Collins' immediate future is bright. There is every reason to expect he will continue to get better, especially if he is healthy: A.

S Atari Bigby, 5’11”, 213 lbs., three years

2008: one interception (seven return yards), three passes defensed, 31 tackles (20 solo)

Bigby only played seven games because of injury. Nevertheless, he made an impact when he was in, and receives a B for 2008. He makes mistakes because of being too aggressive, but is an intimidating hitter and a danger to make a play on the ball.

Not even 25 years old yet, his future is bright and his best years are ahead of him. I expect him to learn to pick his spots better and maybe be one of the ten best safeties in the league in a couple seasons (A-).

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