When the Patriots signed Jamie Collins this offseason, the initial perception was that of a once-dominant veteran, joining a deep linebacking corps, who would have to fight his way into a roster spot. Collins signed a modest one-year contract, to rejoin a team that he left on not-the-best of terms.
All those perceptions may have just flown out the window.
ESPN's Mike Reiss reported Sunday the Patriots are using Collins in a number of big ways already.
After watching Collins in four practices now, my new thought is the Patriots have significant plans for him as long as everything stays on course. Collins was inserted right into the linebacker mix with top players Dont'a Hightower, Kyle Van Noy, Ja'Whaun Bentley and Elandon Roberts, but the biggest tip-off was his presence as the top right guard on the punt protection unit.
Collins admitted that familiarity “played a big factor” in his return to the Patriots. He also admitted he was a little surprised to draw interest from New England. He will fight for snaps alongside Hightower and Kyle Van Noy while likely sharing time with Ja’Whaun Bentley and Elandon Roberts.
Most of the buzz surrounding New England's defense has centered around its backfield so far, but its linebacking corps has the look of a unit that could keep offenses up at night.
The bottom line, though, is that Collins is happy to be back. The Patriots are happy to have him, too. And he’s playing well. That should benefit both parties in 2019.
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