Browns: 5 players Browns must consider in 1st round of 2021 NFL Draft

2. Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa

The case for Zaven Collins couldn’t be simpler. He’s potentially a difference-making linebacker who was a successful blitzer, who could also drop into coverage.

The big question remains whether the front office will commit a first-round pick to the linebacker position. The big money positions on defense are edge rushers and cornerbacks and the Browns could use one of each.

However, as previously mentioned, it’s a weak class for defensive ends and the Browns might want to commit a first-round pick on a corner, considering Greedy Williams should be back in 2021.  That said, perhaps the Browns won’t feel they can count on the LSU product. He’s still very unproven and drafting a corner in the first round would solidify the spot.

But the Browns simply can’t ignore linebackers any longer. Who’s the team’s blitzing linebacker? They don’t have one. There’s tackling issues. There’s coverage issues. It’s a hot mess.

Collins totaled 16 pressures on 51 rushes, according to Pro Football Focus and posted a coverage grade of 93.7.