With current injury-prone offensive tackles Willie Anderson and Levi Jones, the Bengals were smart to add some depth in the fourth round with the selection of Kansas OT Anthony Collins
Many people might be unfamiliar with Collins (#78), but this pick could be another steal.
Pro Football Weekly had Collins rated as the No. 7 best OT in the entire draft class and USA Today Sports Weekly had Collins ranked No. 6 (ahead of eventual first-round pick USC OT Sam Baker). PFW projected Collins as a second-to-third rounder, as USA Today had Collins projected as a second rounder.
USA Today writes, “took advantage of the Jayhawks’ breakout 2007 seaon and his big first year on the left side to jump early to the NFL. Has the an outstanding frame with protoypical size but is inexperienced after only one season of high school football. Plays more with power than with quickness or agility. Not afraid to mix it up with bull rushers and has no problem moving forward and creating a push. Playing left tackle last year helped his stock. But without great footwork or quickness, he probably goes back to the right side.”
At first when I saw Collins’ name pop up on the draft ticker, I was disappointed because I wanted another DT and Maryland DT Dre Moore and Texas A&M DT Red Bryant were still on the board.
However, after taking a deep breath, I realized that this was a better pick. Levi Jones wants out of Cincinnati and his knees have actually already left. If Anderson doesn’t hold up this season, he might have to retire. And Stacey Andrews is signed only for one season with the franchise tag.
All that being said, Collins should have at least a season or two to develop before becoming a solid starter for a long time. Personally, I feel really good about this pick.
If you missed it Collins was a first-team All-American last year (the other OT on the team was No. 1 overall pick - Michigan’s Jake Long) and was a finalist for the Outland Trophy.
Anthony Collins Highlights