Browns Draft: Zaven Collins wants to be in Cleveland and fills a need

Zaven Collins wants to be a Cleveland Browns. What a change it’s been for fans and the organization. It’s been a long time since the Browns were a favorable destination for talent. Sure you had your Joe Haden’s and Joe Thomas’, the best of the best who wanted to retire a Brown. There were the hometown guys like LeCharles Bentley and Joe Jurevicius who came to Cleveland because they were fans growing up and were from the area.

Yet, there’s been a shift in perception in recent years. Baker Mayfield wanted the Browns to draft him so he could help revive the franchise. Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham were happy to land in Cleveland, wanting to make a major impact on them. Myles Garrett was quick to sign an extension and most of the other big names want to follow suit.

Heck, four of the biggest free agents over the last two years, Jack Conklin, Austin Hooper, John Johnson, and Troy Hill all agreed to deals to bring them to Cleveland. So it’s really not that surprising to hear that the Tulsa linebacker wants to be a Brownie after the draft. Speaking to Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal, Collins was over the moon with the organization.

"I love the organization. I love the program. I love all the coaches there, Wherever I’m going to go, I’m going to fit in because I know I will. I’ve done it every time in my life. I like to be around people, enjoy people, make people’s day better, and it seems like [the Browns] have that going in their program already. They’ve completely changed the culture the last couple years, and it seems like a great program."

Now some may cite Collins as a bad scheme fit, but that’s not entirely true. Collins is the same size as Olivier Vernon, down to the pound. In fact, Collins is taller and longer. The notion that Collins can’t fit the Browns’ defensive scheme is just not true. He absolutely could. Especially if they use him similar to the All-Pro Garrett.

Garrett lines up all over the defensive line, even at defensive tackle on occasion in a three-technique. Collins could drop back into coverage and stay in to play the run on down’s one and two, and then on third, replace someone like Takk McKinley or Porter Gustin and line up as a defensive end to rush the passer.

His versatility is his strength.

Collins wants to be in Cleveland. Cleveland should want Collins on the Browns. It’s been a long time since top prospects were openly courting the Browns to come get them. Remember, Garrett (jokingly or not) wanted the Cowboys to take him and not the Browns.

How things have changed.