Maliek Collins

Collins isn't the most intimidating defensive tackle prospect on the sidelines with average size and bulk, but his play stands out due to his impressive movement skills. After leading Nebraska with 13.0 tackles for loss in 2014 to go along with 4.5 sacks, Collins failed to build on those numbers last season, finishing with 7.0 stops behind the line and 2.5 sacks. He opted not to return for Year Two under coach Mike Reilly, forgoing his final season to enter the draft.

in our view

Collins lacks the bulk and power scouts would prefer in an interior defensive lineman, but he's an exciting athlete among the big guys up front, winning with burst and agility. Collins' ability to disrupt makes him an intriguing three-tech candidate for a classic 4-3 alignment.

strengths

Outstanding athlete for the position with light feet, smooth hips and above average body control, using his initial surge and active hand use to rip and pull through bodies. Collins has an explosive first step to generate pop at the point of attack, adjusting after contact to locate and mirror the ball.

weaknesses

Lacks the brute strength to overwhelm his opponent in tight spaces and most blockers can match him power-for-power. Easily moved by double-teams and can be washed out of the hole by angle blocks. Stuck on blocks too long. Still developing his counter moves, struggling if he doesn't win with his initial step. Will overrun the pocket and needs to better control his momentum in tight spaces. Needs to better protect his lower body off the snap. Scheme-specific and lacks desired versatility.

Played both ways for Kansas City Center High School. Collins recorded 102 tackles as a senior including 43 tackles for loss, 15 sacks, five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. His play for Coach Bryan DeLong helped Center High to a 10-4 record and a trip to the quarterfinals of the Missouri Class 3A state playoffs, its deepest playoff run since 2004. Collins was a first-team Class 3A all-state pick by the Missouri High School Coaches Association. He was also a member of the Kansas City Star’s All-Metro first-team defensive unit. Collins was a standout performer as a junior in 2011, earning first-team all-conference honors as both an offensive and defensive lineman. Beyond the football field, Collins was a standout wrestler for Center High School. As a senior, he won the Missouri Class 2A state championship with a perfect 48-0 record. Collins reached the quarterfinals at the state meet in the heavyweight class as a junior and posted a 48-5 record. Collins was ranked among the top 20 prospects in the state of Missouri and one of the top 25 defensive tackles in the country according to Fox Sports Next. He also visited Kansas and Missouri, and had offers from numerous other schools, including Arkansas, Iowa and Iowa State.

Collins was born on April 8, 1995, and is the son of Janice Davis and the late C.W. Collins. He is majoring in sociology and was named to the Nebraska Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll in the spring of 2015. Collins has been active in Nebraska’s community outreach efforts, volunteering his time with Uplifting Athletes, Make-A-Wish, Mad Dads, Madonna Rehabilitation Center and local hospital visits. Collins earned a spot on the Brook Berringer and Tom Osborne Citizenship Teams for his volunteer efforts.