The Indianapolis Colts need help. Should they look here? After a breakout 632-yard, six-touchdown season as a sophomore in 2018, Birmingham native and current Michigan wide receiver Nico Collins is enjoying a similarly successful season.
Racking up 31 catches for 649 yards and seven touchdowns in 10 games this season, the 6-foot-4, 222-pound wideout is starting to garner some serious NFL interest.
Despite only catching more than three balls in two games this season, Collins stock will certainly rise after his monster 165-yard, 3-touchdown performance in the Wolverines last game against Indiana.
The 2020 NFL draft will be filled with top WR talent such as Jerry Jeudy, CeeDee Lamb and Jalen Reagor. As a result, Collins is listed as the N0. 14 receiver in the class by CBS Sports. However, with a big frame and rare nimbleness for his size, Collins stock should rise.
The Michigan receiver could be a perfect mid-round prospect for a team like the Indianapolis Colts that have needed a strong secondary receiver to pair with T.Y. Hilton.
If the Colts decide not to hang on to oft-injured Devin Funchess, a similarly built receiver and former Michigan Wolverine, Collins could come in and develop into a similar role.
If his performance against Indiana is any indication, Collins could be one the highest risers early in the draft process.
Collins is just beginning to reach his full potential and if he continues to improve, the earlier he will go in the draft. With his size and skillset, Collins has drawn comparisons to Chicago Bears and former Pro Bowl receiver Allen Robinson.
While Collins isn't the most explosive athlete, he possesses elite strength and underrated route-running.
Together with the speedy, elusive and undersized Hilton, Collins could create a sort of yin and yang situation that, if he develops, would greatly benefit the Colts as they continue to move on from franchise QB Andrew Luck and move into the Jacoby Brissett era.
Collins leads the Wolverines in both receiving yards and receiving touchdowns this season while also sporting an impressive 20.9 yards per catch which leads the Big Ten.
Of course, as a junior, Collins will have the option to return to Ann Arbor for his senior season. However, it looks as though the receiver is ready to capitalize on his talents.
With an impressive combine performance, Collins become a hot commodity quick. The Colts can't rely on Hilton forever and if they are serious about developing Brissett and staying in contention, Collins certainly should be on the team's radar.
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