Buccaneers NFL Draft Target: DL Alfred Collins, Texas

Defense will surely be on Tampa Bay’s mind in this year’s draft, but will Alfred Collins be a defender they think of?

The Buccaneers have spent the first portion of their offseason ensuring that new offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard would have all 11 offensive starters returning from a season ago, when the team boasted a top-5 unit by most metrics.

Tampa Bay’s defense, a group that undoubtedly had its struggles last season, has also been addressed this offseason. The addition of Haason Reddick (the potential rare bargain-splash-move) should he return to form, has been accompanied by the return of living legend Lavonte David and Anthony Nelson. A new piece at linebacker, Anthony Walker Jr., has been added and a couple of veteran corners (Kendall vildor, and Bryce Hall for a run-it-back campaign) have joined the group also. Even still, the team figures to go defense-heavy in the draft.

An argument could be made the Buccaneers have given themselves, through the aforementioned defensive signings and re-signings, the flexibility to approach the draft with an open mind. The Bucs don’t need any one position more than another. Todd Bowles’ unit simply needs playmakers and capable performers. Enter, Alfred Collins—

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College career

In five years of collegiate play, Collins has been consistent and steady for the Longhorns. Collins, suiting up in every available contest since 2020, sets him up for a floor of a reliable career at the professional level. Collins’ 7.5 career sacks, two turnovers accounted for, and single year-best 55 tackles last season, are not gaudy numbers to that manifest excitement— That does not mean Collins, as a player, doesn’t provide value.

NFL Draft pre-game

While the Longhorns have not had their Pro Day yet (March 25th), Alfred Collins was at the league’s annual Scouting Combine— Though he did not participate fully. Collins measured at a massive 6’6″ at over 330 pounds, to go along with nearly 35-inch arms.

Collins did not sprint in a straight line or lift at the Combine, but he did jump. He registered a 26” vertical jump and an even eight-foot broad jump.

Alfred Collins’ fit for the Buccaneers

At the beginning of the new league year, it would’ve appeared unlikely that Tampa would to go with an interior defensive linemen in the earlier rounds of the NFL Draft as the defense had more pressing needs. Following a few strategic moves by Jason Licht, the Buccaneers have achieved genuine flexibility. Collins may not have the traditional pass-rush impact fans like to see, however, a dominant run defender can have impact all the same.

For the Buccaneers, while the duo of Calijah Kancey and Vita Vea are an elite tandem, Tampa must face a few realizations.

Kancey’s explosive play has been intercepted by injuries throughout his Buccaneers’ tenure. The former first-rounder only played in 12 games a season ago and failed to play a full slate of the games in his rookie campaign as well.

Even looking past the concerns of Kancey’s health, the Buccaneers have an aging Will Gholston (currently a free agent, who would likely return for a low price— should Tampa want him) and a 2022 second-round pick in Logan Hall who has been anything but a lock to be long-term answer across the front to think about.

Collins’ ability to join the Buccaneers in 2025, providing depth and a rotational piece while also giving Todd Bowles a potential long-term starting option— Depending on his development in the system— is something that must intrigue Jason Licht and the Buccaneers.

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