Jalen Collins: 2015 Baltimore Ravens NFL Draft Prospect

Aug 30, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Corey Clement (6) runs with the ball during the second half as LSU Tigers cornerback Jalen Collins (32) attempts to make a tackle at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The draft process for an NFL team is a long and tedious one. Scouts keep their eyes peeled on college players year round even though the actual hype begins shortly after the NFL’s regular season ends. We are headed into full blown draft season, an exciting time that reaches its peak when teams are officially on the clock beginning April 30th.

This year we are tracking every player that the Baltimore Ravens talk to or reportedly show interest in. Whether it be a workout, interview, team visit, or simply a rumored bit of interest, we are going to cover them all. We’ll take a look at each prospect and discuss whether or not that particular player might represent a good pick for the Ravens.

Upgrading the secondary is, and should be, of obvious importance to the Ravens this offseason. Even with a healthy Jimmy Smith and an improving Lardarius Webb, the team would be wise to think about how 2014 ended for them and how they can avoid a similar fate in 2015. For a team that drafts based on a best player available scenario, it’s a tough spot to be in – stick to your philosophy or patch a big hole?

LSU cornerback Jalen Collins is a possible plug for that proverbial hole, and he is a player that Todd McShay has mocked to the Ravens at number 26. Collins has the length and the speed to become a solid starting NFL corner, though he is still developing his game. Much of that can be attributed to Collins’ role at LSU – he was a rotational player and never a full time starter.

Despite the limited playing time, Collins tied for the team lead in passes defensed last season with nine, and he possesses prototypical size and intangibles that cannot be taught. He excels in coverage and wins jump balls using his instincts. Collins isn’t afraid to get physical and is quick to shake off giving up a completion or play.

Jalen Collins needs a little work to become a full time NFL starter, in spite of his positive traits. He has struggled with his backpedal at times, which hurts him when covering smaller and quicker receivers. He doesn’t deliver much power in press coverage and frequently releases to early. In spite of this, Collins excels in man coverage and deciphers plays quickly. He is a player that the Ravens could bring along as a #3 corner and develop as the season moves along.

Next: The Ravens Have Big Decisions to Make on Defense

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