New York Giants Draft Prospect Profile: DL Alfred Collins, Texas
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the New York Giants are looking to bolster their defensive line to enhance their run defense and overall defensive prowess. One intriguing prospect on their radar is Alfred Collins, a defensive lineman from the University of Texas. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 320 pounds, Collins possesses the physical attributes and skill set that could make him a valuable addition to the Giants’ defensive front.
College Career Overview
Alfred Collins began his collegiate career at Texas in 2020, showcasing his potential early on. Over his five-year tenure with the Longhorns, he appeared in 63 games, starting 27. His career statistics include 141 total tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, and 12 pass deflections. Notably, during the 2024-25 season, Collins recorded 55 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 1 sack, and 7 pass deflections, earning Second-Team All-American honors and First-Team All-SEC recognition .
Strengths
- Physical Attributes: Collins’ size and length are standout features. His 6-foot-5 frame and 320-pound weight make him a formidable presence on the defensive line. His long arms and strong hands allow him to shed blockers effectively and disrupt offensive plays.
- Run Defense: Collins excels in stopping the run. He has demonstrated the ability to anchor against double teams, maintain gap integrity, and disengage from blockers to make tackles. His patience and processing speed enable him to react quickly to running plays.
- Pass Defense: While not a prolific pass rusher, Collins has shown the ability to disrupt passing lanes. He recorded six batted passes in the 2024 season, indicating his awareness and timing when defending against the pass .
- Versatility: Collins has the capability to play across various positions on the defensive line, including the 0-technique, 3-technique, and 5-technique. This versatility allows him to be utilized in multiple defensive schemes and alignments.
Areas for Improvement
- Pass Rush Technique: Collins has yet to develop a consistent pass-rushing plan. While he possesses the physical tools, his lack of a refined technique limits his effectiveness in pressuring the quarterback. Developing a repertoire of pass-rush moves and improving his hand usage could enhance his impact in this area.
- Lateral Quickness: At times, Collins struggles with lateral movement, which can hinder his ability to reach and disengage from blockers on the move. Improving his agility and quickness could make him more effective in both run and pass situations.
- Consistency: While Collins has flashed dominance, his performance has been inconsistent. He needs to develop a more consistent motor and maintain high-level play throughout the duration of games and seasons.
Fit with the New York Giants
The Giants’ defensive line has shown promise but could benefit from additional depth and talent. Collins’ ability to anchor against the run and his versatility make him a suitable candidate for the Giants’ defensive scheme. His potential to develop into a more consistent pass rusher adds to his appeal as a developmental prospect with starting upside.
Projected Draft Position
Alfred Collins is projected to be selected in the early to mid-second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. His combination of size, strength, and potential make him an attractive option for teams seeking to enhance their defensive line. For the Giants, selecting Collins could provide an immediate impact against the run and a developmental project with the potential to contribute in the passing game.
