clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

2015 NFL Mock Draft: Steelers select a new cornerback

LSU's Jalen Collins is a riser, which is good, because he's already 6-foot-2. If the Steelers grab him at 22, they've got a good, athletic defensive back.

Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Jalen Collins isn't a name that's been tossed around much, even though mock drafts have sent nearly every other cornerback available to the Steelers with the 22nd pick.

The big, physical and raw LSU cornerback makes for an intriguing pick, and one a prominent draft site has going to Pittsburgh in April.

Writes Charlie Campbell of Walter Football:

Collins totaled 38 tackles, nine passes broken up and an interception in 2014. The 6-foot-2, 195-pounder is a long corner who has some athleticism and is extremely fast. Sources say that he times well and could be a star of the Combine. While he doesn't always play up to his skill set, Collins showed his surprising speed when he chased down Melvin Gordon on a long run in the 2014 season opener.

Big cornerbacks who can run like Collins are tough to find. However, he needs development in playing the ball and improving his ball skills.

It's not a stretch to think Collins' star is on the rise. Watching his film, it does appear he'll test well at the Combine, likely sending him down in the minds of those who do not feel those who show athletic skill at the event are worthy of consideration.

Those who can cover, though, are. And those who are willing to tackle are even better.