Alex Collins-Sgt. Dwight Henderson Wikimedia commons
The Truth
The New England Patriots had a strong off-season. I wrote about it in my piece on Keyarris Garrett and his potential to be a steal for the Patriots. The Pats have a few areas they truly need to address in the draft. They currently need: CB, WR, T, and RB, in no specific order. The team was forced to be one-dimensional, after a bevy of injuries to the offensive line and running back positions. You cannot be one-dimensional in a league like the NFL. Adding a capable bell cow running back can help take some weight off Tom Brady’s shoulders.
Who is in the committee?
The Patriots currently have a running back by committee approach. That usually happens whenever a team does not have a true one-two punch at the position. They have the electrifying Dion Lewis, the capable pass catcher, James White, special teamer Brandon Bolden, unknown Tyler Gaffney, and the newly signed Donald Brown. That is a committee of backs that are quite similar for the most part. The one thing missing from this back field is a bell cow. I’m referring to the type of back that can run between the tackles and drain the clock when you have control of the game. Legarette Blount? Yes, the Pats have had recent success with Blount, but he is going on 30 years old. He would be a cheap option and there is mutual interest for a reunion. However, the 2015 SB Champs have a need for a young physical running back, and there is an option(s) in this year’s draft.
WHO
After reviewing the running backs available in this draft, and the options available for the patriots, I am putting my money on Arkansas running back Alex Collins. Collins stands at 5’10 and 217 pounds, he has the frame/body that the Patriots need at the running back position. One of the biggest pros of Collins is that he averaged 5.53 yards per carry over his 3 years at Arkansas. From 2013-2015 Collins got better and efficient with his role growing. The more carries he received the more he produced. His yards-per-carry were 5.4 both 2013-2014 seasons, and went to 5.8 in 2015. That is good production and growth without the heavy mileage on his tires. Throughout his career at Arkansas, Collins never amassed 300+ carries for a season. He has a skill set no running back on the roster currently displays.
What does he bring to the table?
When you look at game film for Alex Collins, you will see a patient and strong runner. He has good vision as well. The one thing that is necessary, to be a successful NFL running back is vision. For example let’s remember the famous Trent Richardson vision blunder in Oakland.
Collins’ ability to see an open hole, anticipate, and use his patience to attack the hole is key. The Patriots have applied RBs that had the vision to see the hole, but couldn’t get to it or RBs that couldn’t see the hole altogether. Collins gives them a back that can do both. Quick twitch movements allows him to get from one hole to another without hesitation or wasted movement. The clip below shows Collins vision on display, it was a crowded hole and he cut into the correct hole.
Collins also has really good foot work inside the hole, and out in space. For a back his size, you would not expect him to have the type of foot work that would make defenders miss in a one on one situation. That is one of my favorite abilities that he possesses, being able to create space. He is a tough inside runner and so is Legarette Blount, but Collins has the foot work to make defenders. The next clip will show his ability to make defenders miss with his light feet in order to score the touchdown.
Not only does Collins have the light feet needed to make defenders miss, he has the power to run between the tackles effectively, and long speed(which isn’t talked about much). He accelerates quicker than expected and even though he is not a “Burner”, he has enough speed to make plays down field. The clip below shows his ability to break the “Long One” against LSU a pretty good defense. He uses patience, vision, and foot work to get through the hole for the touchdown.
Conclusion
Alex Collins has the skill set the Patriots need on their roster. He brings an attitude and smoothness to the running back position. He isn’t required to be an immediate starter, but he does need to get his opportunities behind a healthy Dion Lewis. Alex is a decent pass blocker, better coaching can help his growth in that area. Overall the Patriots would be gaining a young, physical, smooth running back for the future. The best part about this is he wouldn’t take a second round pick. He is projected to be a 3rd to 4th at best. Come on Patriots! Get Tom a strong running back!!!!
If you would like to read or hear more from Damian or other fellow Couch Riders, please Subscribe to our RSS feed and like us on Facebook.
Damian Parsons is an Analyst for Couch Rider Report. Follow him on Facebook and Follow/Like us on Facebook or twitter.