NFL Draft 2015: Should the Broncos Draft LSU OT La’El Collins?
John Elway took a big risk in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft when he took Missouri edge rusher Shane Ray, but might he be just getting started with the risk taking?
LSU offensive tackle La’El Collins, who had contact with the Broncos prior to the 2015 NFL Draft, is sliding and for reasons that people don’t know right now are valid or not. Collins is being questioned by Louisiana police in the murder case of his ex-girlfriend, who was pregnant.
It’s an incredibly disturbing story, and the fact that Collins might have any information about the situation at all is enough to cause teams pause when considering drafting him, but if he is innocent and falling in the draft for ‘no reason’ then the Broncos need to seriously consider using a pick on him tonight.
Shane Ray was the 10th best player on John Elway’s board, he said. I would imagine La’El Collins wasn’t that far behind him.
The Broncos prioritized pass rush over pass protection, which wasn’t a bad idea, but they definitely have to attack the offensive line in rounds two and three. Even if they use both picks on a lineman, I think they’d still have plenty of questions going into camp.
Adding a player like Collins would give the Broncos two players that were likely in the top 15 or, at worst, top 20 of their final draft board before the news about Collins came out.
Of course, using a premiere pick on Collins like a 2nd or 3rd rounder would come with risks, but consider the way John Elway has drafted in the second and third round as GM of the Broncos. The reviews, at this point, aren’t exactly glowing.
2nd Round Picks Since 2011
Rahim Moore, S
Orlando Franklin, OL
Derek Wolfe, DL
Brock Osweiler, QB
Monte Ball, RB
Cody Latimer, WR
3rd Round Picks Since 2011
Nate Irving, LB
Ronnie Hillman, RB
Kayvon Webster, CB
Michael Schofield, OL
This is an area that John Elway needs to significantly improve. It’s clear, the Broncos know how to find talent (generally) at the top of the draft and they know how to find guys in the middle. That’s what has helped make this one of the deepest rosters in the NFL.
However, and this is big, Elway has to hit on day two of the draft, and a player like Collins who has first round talent could go a long way in doing so.
This is a big night for John Elway. He might have to make a choice of whether or not to snag the former LSU star lineman, who has the potential and talent to be a Pro Bowl guard or right tackle early on in his career. If he’s sitting there in the second or even the third round, the Broncos’ war room is going to have to have serious discussions about whether or not to take him.