The analysis I have read regarding these two depicts Collins as more of an IN-THE-BOX physical SS type. I have seen Collins on many occasions watching Alabama, and I can definitely understand why he is the No. 1 Safety potentially available in this draft class.

 

In the new NFL, Safeties must play like LBers and cover backs and big physical TEs all over the field in pass protection mode while defending the run on any given play. This is why Collins is valued so highly, because he is a combination of FS who can play Centerfield and break up the long pass down the seam to the TE or come up and stop the RB in his tracks.

 

The problem with Collins is that he is not an elite athlete and thus probably does not rate a Top 6 selection. Still, I can't see him slipping out of the Top 12 selections.

 

Holliman had a great season picking off passes, but much of that can be attributed to being in the right place at the right time. Holliman is your Centerfielder FS type, but the knock on him is he hates to come up and make tackles. Having a Safety that does not like to make tackles is a true detriment to the defense, because typically the Safety is the last line of defense.

 

Holliman should be a sure fire Rd 1 selection, but because of his distain for tackling he could fall to mid-2nd or even high 3rd Rd.

 

If the Jags were to trade down to around Pick 9 or 10, Collins would offer nice value. As far as Holliman, I would steer clear of him and look to another Safety.

 

One Safety that will be playing in the Senior Bowl that I find intriguing is Jaquiski Tartt out of Samford, at 6'1" 218 Lb. While more of a SS, his coverage skills are said to be awesome.

---