2012 Free Agent Profile: Offensive Tackle Anthony Collins

Right tackle is an area the Redskins could look to upgrade this offseason, but with all the talk of trading up for RG3, will the Redskins have the ammo needed to land one in the 2012 NFL draft?

This years free agency class is weak at tackle. The Redskins may try another year of Brown on the right side, but with the past injury history, how much can he really be counted on, and are the Redskins willing to pay him starter money, if he's not playing at least 14 games per season?

One player who may be of some interest to Shanahan and co. could be Bengals free-agent-to-be right tackle Anthony Collins.

The 6' 5" 315 pound former fourth round pick out of Kansas has seen spot starts for the Bengals offensive line over his four year career. In 2010, he saw action in seven games, with two starts. His most productive season came in 2009, where he saw action in 14 games, with seven starts. He is best suited to play the right tackle.

Here are some scouting reports from the 2008 draft:

Anthony Collins, OL, Kansas

This past season, Collins (along with his close friend and teammate Aqib Talib), were Kansas' first first-team All-Americans in more than 30 years. Just as they were first-team All-Americans together, they decided to enter the draft together and forgo their final season of eligibility to pursue their professional ambitions. Collins redshirted along with Talib in 2004 and in that time made the switch from defense to offense. He got on the field the next season, playing in eight games and starting one at his new position on the other side of the line. In his sophomore season, Collins started all 12 games at right tackle and was named AP All-Big 12 honorable mention. In 2007, Collins was the star of a line that blocked for one of the top offenses in the country, which produced 42.8 points and 479.8 yards per game. Collins protected record-setting QB Todd Reesing and blocked for 1,000 yard rusher Brandon McAnderson (who led a rushing attack that piled up 188.8 yards per game for the Orange Bowl champion and 12-1 Jayhawks). Collins is very agile for his size, as he's been timed as low as the 4.9 range. He currently projects as a second-round pick and the seventh offensive tackle on the board, according to NFLDraftScout.com. But, he will be attending the combine next month, where a great performance could further bump up his stock and maybe, just maybe, he could sneak into the first round, along with his friend, teammate, and fellow All-American. Update (4/26/08): After running a disappointing 5.5 second time in the 40 at the combine, Collins saw a big improvement at Kansas' Pro Day in March with a 5.26. He also did 26 reps in the bench press (same as at the combine) and had a vertical of 27 1/2 inches. Collins projects as at least a second-round pick in today's NFL Draft and could very well land in the bottom of the first round.

http://www.fftoolbox.com/nfl_draft/profile_display.cfm?prospect_id=1451

BIOGRAPHY: Two-year starter used at both left and right tackle. First-team All-Conference selection last year as a junior.

POSITIVES: Well-sized pass-blocking left tackle with growth potential. Strong at the point, immediately gets his hands into defenders off the snap, and controls them at the line. Bends his knees, blocks with leverage, and makes good use of blocking angles and body positioning. Displays adequate footwork sliding out to protect the edge and easily knocks pass-rushers from their angle of attack.

NEGATIVES: Lacks blocking balance, bends at the waist, and struggles to adjust. Marginally athletic, not light on his feet, and not effective in motion.

ANALYSIS: Collins is a solid prospect who could be used at several spots on the offensive line. He offers a good degree of upside and could develop into a starter at the next level if he steps up the intensity of his game and learns to improve the details of his position.

PROJECTION: Early Second Round

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/2008/draft/players/20902.html

Accolades:

All-American first-team choice by the Associated Press, Walter Camp Football Foundation and the Football Writers Association of America … Consensus All-Big Twelve Conference first-team selection … Named a finalist for the Outland Trophy (nation's top lineman) … Saw action in 12 games, starting 11 contests at left offensive tackle … Sat out the first series of the Toledo game due to a disciplinary issue and did not play vs. Iowa State due to a right ankle sprain … Registered 108 knockdowns with 15 touchdown-resulting blocks for an offense that averaged 479.8 yards per game, including 291.0 yards passing … Was penalized twice (once each vs. Missouri and Virginia Tech) and allowed six sacks for losses of 41 yards and three quarterback pressures on 476 pass plays … Finished with an 83.25% grade for blocking consistency.

(Via CBS Sports)