Silver And Black Pride
Diving into what the Texas defensive tackle could bring to Las Vegas
The Las Vegas Raiders could use some help at nose tackle heading into the 2025 NFL Draft as the club didn't re-sign John Jenkins, the Raiders’ starter over the last two seasons, during free agency. That should put Texas defensive tackle Alfred Collins on Las Vegas’ radar.
While Collins doesn’t have a ton of experience lining up at nose — recording 146 snaps in the A-gap versus 299 in the B-gap in Austin last season, according to Pro Football Focus — he has the size and skill set to make the subtle position switch in the NFL.
The nearly 6-foot-6 and 332-pound former Longhorn is a boulder as a run defender. He’s hard to move out of his gap, is stout against double teams and easily defeats one-on-one blocks. That helped him earn the third-best run defense grade (85.0) and third-most defensive stops (21) against the run among SEC defensive tackles, per PFF.
So, let’s dive into the Texas product’s tape and see what he could bring to Las Vegas.
Again, Collins is more of a projection at nose tackle after primarily lining up as a 4i-technique as he does in the clip above. However, his ability to hold his ground against double teams and combo blocks is the biggest reason why switching positions should be a seamless transition.
Collins is on the front side of Michigan’s counter run where the right tackle and tight end combo block him before the tackle works up to the second level. Meanwhile, Collins does a great job of attacking the man he’s lined up across from, using good pad level and hand placement to win at the point of attack.
Then, the Texas product feels the tight end coming and turns his body into the pressure, preventing the tight end from getting a clean block. That results in some penetration from Collins, which forces the running back to bounce outside. Since the right tackle couldn’t get a clean release up to the second level, that linebacker is free to make the tackle.
This is a good example of Collins making the play without actually making the play. He plugged up the C-gap while disrupting the right tackle’s block to make his teammate’s job easier.
Here, we’ll get a good look at what the former Longhorn can do at nose. He’s playing a traditional technique for the position where he’s 2-gapping, meaning he’s responsible for both A-gaps. Also, he’s taking on a combo block from the left guard and center.
At the point of attack, Collins once again does a good job of focusing on beating the man he’s lined up across from while using his strength and leverage to gain control of the block. Combined with using a wide base, that allows him to absorb contact from the guard and fulfill his assignment.
With the running back lined up on the defense’s right, Collins initially shows color in the left A-gap...
