Alex Collins NFL Draft 2016: Scouting Report, Grade for Seahawks Rookie

POSITIVES

The 2013 SEC Freshman of the Year, Alex Collins hit the ground running in Fayetteville, Arkansas, on his way to Freshman All-American status and becoming the first freshman in SEC history to start his career with three straight 100-yard rushing games. Collins was electric, but he eventually split time with Jonathan Williams in a crowded backfield. How does he project to the NFL?

A tough, physical runner, Collins has the lateral quickness to make defenders miss. He's a powerful back with the feet needed to churn through tacklers and get past the first level of the defense. Collins' winning trait isn't speed, but rather agility and burst.

Patience and confidence as a runner are natural features for Collins, who uses his exceptional feet to slash and cut his way through holes. Given his ability to make hard cuts in the trenches, he has the eyes to find daylight and finish runs with intensity. He has the balance, flexibility and body control to get his pads underneath those of a defender and pop them for yards after contact.

With his size, toughness and nose for the end zone, Collins is ready-made for goal-line duty in the NFL.

Collins will be 22 years old as a rookie.

NEGATIVES

A lack of deep speed will limit how NFL teams envision Collins' role. He won't pull away from defenders on the edge, and he much prefers to run inside the hashes. Collins is the opposite of most college backs who love to bounce outside and look for huge rushing lanes in that he would rather bang inside and try to cut his way to yards instead of outrunning players to the edge.

For all his strength and his stout frame, Collins doesn't pick up as many yards after contact as you might expect. He can become a better finisher of runs by looking to make one more cut instead of giving up his frame to contact.

In the passing game, Collins was almost a non-factor at Arkansas. He caught just 16 passes in the last two seasons.

With nine fumbles in the last two seasons, it's fair to wonder about his ability to hold on to the ball on inside runs. This is the first area Collins must improve in the NFL.

COMBINE RESULTS

Height: 5'10"

Weight: 217 lbs.

40 Time: 4.59s

3-Cone: N/A

Short Shuttle: N/A

PRO COMPARISON: C.J. Anderson, Denver Broncos
FINAL GRADE: 6.40/9.00 (Rounds 2-3—Future Starter)