Alfred Collins Texas DT Emerges as Top Prospect for 2026 NFL Draft
Alfred Collins has emerged as a standout defensive tackle for the Texas Longhorns. The fifth-year defensive lineman brings impressive durability to the position. He has appeared in 63 games with 26 starts and played in 40 consecutive contests. Born on October 8, 2001, Collins has developed into a force on the Texas defensive front.
Collins dominates the run game with rare power and processing speed that will translate immediately to the NFL level. His combination of size, strength, and instincts allows him to disrupt offensive schemes and create havoc in the backfield. The Texas Longhorns defensive lineman has steadily improved his technique and understanding of leverage throughout his collegiate career.
NFL teams are taking notice of Collins’ development and potential. His consistency and durability are valuable traits that complement his physical abilities. With the draft approaching, Collins continues to work on refining his pass-rushing moves to become a more complete defensive tackle prospect who can stay on the field for all three downs at the next level.
Contents
Early Life and High School Career
Alfred Collins built his foundation as a dominant defensive force in Cedar Creek, Texas, where his size and athletic ability made him stand out from an early age. His path to becoming a five-star recruit showcases his development both on and off the field.
High School Achievements
At Cedar Creek High School, Collins emerged as one of the most disruptive defensive linemen in Texas high school football. Standing at an imposing 6’5″ and 285 pounds, he overwhelmed offensive lines with his combination of size and quickness.
During his senior season in 2019, Collins recorded 86 tackles, 35 tackles for loss, and 8 sacks – numbers that caught the attention of college scouts nationwide. His performance earned him District 13-5A Defensive MVP honors.
Collins wasn’t just a one-sport star. He also excelled in basketball, using his athleticism and footwork on the court to enhance his defensive line skills.
Notable High School Accolades:
- Under Armour All-American
- District 13-5A Defensive MVP
- First-team All-District selection (multiple years)
- Top-10 defensive tackle nationally
Recruitment
Collins’ recruitment heated up following his junior season when his five-star potential became evident. He was ranked as the No. 63 overall recruit in the country for the class of 2020.
The battle for Collins’ commitment featured some of college football’s heavyweights. Alabama, Oklahoma, and LSU all pursued the Cedar Creek standout, but the Texas Longhorns ultimately secured his commitment.
Collins announced his decision to stay in his home state during the early signing period, giving Texas a massive in-state recruiting victory. His combination of size, strength, and technique had scouts projecting him as a potential multi-year starter and future NFL draft pick.
The consensus among recruiting experts was that Collins had the physical tools to contribute immediately at the collegiate level, with room to develop into an elite defensive tackle.
College Career at Texas
Alfred Collins demonstrated his exceptional talents as a defensive lineman during his four years with the Texas Longhorns. His development from a raw freshman to an NFL-caliber defensive tackle showcased his remarkable combination of size, strength, and athleticism.
Freshman Season
Collins arrived at Texas in 2020 with considerable hype as a 4-star recruit. The 6’5″, 305-pound defensive tackle from Cedar Creek High School immediately made his presence felt. He appeared in nine games during the pandemic-shortened season, recording 18 tackles, including 2 tackles for loss.
His most memorable moment came in the Alamo Bowl against Colorado, where Collins made a spectacular one-handed interception that displayed his uncommon athleticism for a player of his size. The play landed on highlight reels nationwide.
Despite limited playing time (287 snaps), Collins earned Honorable Mention All-Big 12 recognition from the conference coaches – a promising start for the young defensive lineman.
Sophomore Breakthrough
Collins’ sophomore campaign saw him emerge as a consistent contributor along the defensive front. He appeared in all 12 games, starting seven, and recorded 23 tackles, 2 sacks, and 3 tackles for loss.
His improved technique and understanding of Texas’ defensive scheme allowed him to become more disruptive at the point of attack. Collins developed a reputation for collapsing the pocket and forcing quarterbacks into rushed decisions.
Against TCU, he delivered a standout performance with 5 tackles and 1.5 sacks, showing his potential as a game-wrecker in the trenches. The Texas Longhorns defensive lineman improved his run defense considerably, using his length and strength to shed blocks.
| Season | Games | Tackles | TFL | Sacks | FF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 9 | 18 | 2.0 | 1.5 | 0 |
| 2021 | 12 | 23 | 3.0 | 2.0 | 1 |
Junior Development
Collins’ junior year represented another step forward in his development. He played in all 13 games, starting 10, and continued to improve his consistency and technique. He finished with 27 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 4 tackles for loss.
The Cedar Creek native displayed improved hand usage and an expanded repertoire of pass-rush moves. His ability to play multiple techniques along the defensive line made him valuable in different packages.
Against Oklahoma, Collins delivered perhaps his finest performance, recording 6 tackles and 1.5 sacks in the Red River Rivalry. NFL scouts began taking serious notice of his combination of size, strength, and increasingly refined technique.
By season’s end, Alfred Collins had established himself as one of the Big 12’s more formidable interior defensive linemen.
Senior Year Impact
Collins’ senior campaign solidified his NFL prospects as he developed into a dominant force on Texas’ defensive line. He started all 14 games, recording 34 tackles, 5 sacks, and 8 tackles for loss – all career highs.
His improved conditioning allowed him to stay on the field for more snaps (485) while maintaining his effectiveness. Collins consistently commanded double teams, freeing up teammates to make plays.
In the College Football Playoff semifinal, Collins recorded 2 sacks and forced a fumble, showcasing his big-game potential on the national stage. His performance helped elevate his NFL Draft profile to a potential day two selection.
Draft analysts project Collins as a versatile defensive lineman who can play in multiple fronts at the next level. His combination of size (6’5″, 320 lbs), length, and improving technical skills has him ranked as the #7 defensive tackle prospect according to multiple scouting services.
Statistical Overview
Alfred Collins has proven to be a formidable presence on the Texas defensive line, as evidenced by his impressive statistical contributions. His physical attributes at 6’5″ and 320 pounds have translated into meaningful production across multiple defensive categories.
Tackles and Sacks
Collins has demonstrated consistent improvement in his tackling numbers throughout his Texas career. In the most recent season, he recorded 27 solo tackles, showcasing his ability to shed blocks and make plays independently.
His career trajectory shows growth in total tackles year over year, though his development as a pass rusher has been more gradual. With just 1 sack in the current season, Collins’ value hasn’t been primarily as a quarterback hunter.
Where Collins truly shines is in tackles for loss, using his massive frame to penetrate offensive lines and disrupt running plays before they develop. NFL scouts have noted his potential as an interior disruptor, though his sack production needs development.
| Season | Solo Tackles | Assisted Tackles | Total Tackles | TFL | Sacks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 27 | 15 | 42 | 6.5 | 1 |
| 2023 | 23 | 12 | 35 | 5.0 | 2 |
Forced Fumbles and Recoveries
Collins has shown a knack for creating turnovers, evidenced by his 1 forced fumble in the current campaign. His ability to punch the ball loose when tackling runners demonstrates awareness beyond simply making stops.
Throughout his Texas career, he’s accumulated multiple fumble recoveries, highlighting his ball-tracking ability and hustle—valuable traits for a defensive lineman of his size. These turnover stats are particularly impressive considering his interior position.
When comparing Collins to other defensive tackle prospects, his forced fumble numbers place him among the more disruptive interior defenders in this draft class. His combination of size and ball-stripping ability makes him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams seeking defensive line help.
Pass Deflections
Despite his primary role as a run-stopper, Collins has shown surprising effectiveness in the passing game through his pass deflection numbers. His long arms and timing at the line of scrimmage have resulted in several batted balls at the point of attack.
Collins has developed a reputation for getting his hands up in passing lanes when unable to reach the quarterback. This skill set is particularly valuable on early downs when passes are often thrown quickly over the middle.
NFL evaluators view this aspect of Collins’ game as a significant plus. His NFL Draft evaluation notes his measurement of 34 5/8″ arms (78th percentile), which explains his effectiveness in disrupting passing lanes despite modest sack totals.
Strengths and Skills Assessment
Alfred Collins brings an imposing presence to the defensive trenches that has NFL scouts taking notice. His combination of raw power, technical proficiency, and football intelligence makes him one of the most disruptive defensive tackles in college football.
Defensive Technique
Collins excels at the point of attack with otherworldly strength, regularly dominating SEC offensive linemen. His hand usage has developed significantly during his time at Texas, allowing him to shed blocks with impressive efficiency.
What separates Collins from other defensive tackles is his versatility. He can play multiple techniques along the defensive front, showing proficiency as both a 3-technique penetrator and as a stout nose tackle when needed.
Collins has demonstrated remarkable improvement in his pass-rushing abilities, adding finesse moves to complement his bull rush. He’s collected 8 sacks over the past two seasons while adding 6 pass deflections, showing his awareness to get his hands up in passing lanes.
His run-stuffing ability remains his strongest asset, consistently commanding double teams and maintaining gap integrity. This skill alone has evaluators projecting him as a potential day two selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Physical Attributes
Collins possesses the ideal frame for an NFL defensive tackle at 6’5″ and 315 pounds. His length allows him to control offensive linemen before they can establish leverage.
Collins displays exceptional explosion off the snap for his size, often beating guards with his first step. This quickness, combined with his natural power, creates immediate displacement in the offensive line.
Key Physical Measurements:
| Attribute | Measurement | Percentile (DT Position) |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 6’5″ | 89th |
| Weight | 315 lbs | 72nd |
| Arm Length | 34 1/8″ | 81st |
| Bench Press | 29 reps | 85th |
His strength at the point of attack is perhaps his most impressive physical trait. Collins consistently displays the power to “out wrestle his man” and reset the line of scrimmage, creating chaos for running backs attempting to find lanes.
Football IQ
Collins demonstrates excellent play recognition. He rarely gets caught out of position against misdirection or play-action. This awareness has been crucial to Texas’ top-10 defensive ranking in points allowed per game.
The defensive lineman shows discipline in maintaining gap assignments within Texas’ defensive scheme. He understands his role within the bigger picture and doesn’t chase unnecessary plays that compromise the defense.
Collins has developed a reputation as a student of the game. He spends extensive time studying opposing offensive linemen’s tendencies. This preparation allows him to anticipate blocking schemes and counter with appropriate techniques.
His intelligence extends to situational awareness, as Collins consistently makes impact plays in critical down-and-distance situations. NFL teams value this ability to elevate performance when the stakes are highest.
Collegiate Awards and Honors
Alfred Collins has built an impressive resume during his time as a defensive tackle for the Texas Longhorns. The standout defender earned SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week honors after showing remarkable consistency in his play during the 2024 season.
His academic prowess matched his on-field excellence, as Collins secured a spot on the Academic All-Big 12 First Team while accumulating 139 career tackles throughout his collegiate career.
Before his time in Austin, Collins was a highly decorated high school athlete, earning All-America honors and all-state recognition. He was also named his district’s Defensive Lineman of the Year twice and received all-district honors three times.
Collins has proven himself a worthy successor to previous Texas defensive line stars, earning an impressive 87.2 grade from Pro Football Focus for his performance in the 2024 season.
The defensive tackle’s development has been particularly notable in the 2024 campaign, where he logged 592 snaps for a Texas defense that ranked among the top 15 nationally against the run.
NFL Draft Projection
| Category | Ranking/Grade |
|---|---|
| Overall Position Ranking | Top 10 DT |
| PFF Grade (2024) | 87.2 |
| Career Tackles | 139 |
| Projected Round | 2-3 |
Collins has significantly improved his draft stock with his 2024 performance. NFL scouts have noted his combination of size, strength, and increased consistency as key factors in his rising profile.
His ability to disrupt opposing offenses against elite SEC competition has demonstrated that Collins possesses the tools necessary to transition successfully to the professional level.
NFL Draft Prospects
Alfred Collins has emerged as a promising defensive tackle prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft. His combination of size, athleticism, and production at Texas has caught the attention of scouts and draft analysts across the league.
Draft Analysis
Collins currently sits as one of the most intriguing defensive tackle prospects in this draft class. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. rates Collins among his 10 best DT prospects, highlighting his potential as a disruptive interior force.
His draft stock received a significant boost following an impressive showing at the NFL Scouting Combine. Collins’ performance there has him projected as a potential second-round selection, with some analysts believing he could sneak into the late first round if a team falls in love with his upside.
The Texas product’s versatility stands out on film. He can play multiple techniques along the defensive line and has shown the ability to both stuff the run and collapse the pocket as a pass rusher.
| Measurable | Result |
|---|---|
| Draft Projection | 2nd Round (#54 Overall) |
| Position Rank | #19 DT |
| Run Defense Rating | 94% |
Mock Draft Predictions
Most mock drafts currently place Collins in the second round, though his stock appears to be rising. Several draft experts have him slotted between picks 45-60, with teams needing interior defensive line help showing the most interest.
The Green Bay Packers have been frequently linked to Collins in recent mock drafts. At pick #58 in the second round, Collins could represent excellent value for a team looking to bolster its defensive front.
His combination of size, athleticism, and production makes him an attractive option for teams employing multiple defensive fronts. Collins’ scheme versatility has scouts projecting him as a potential three-down player at the next level.
Team Interest
Several NFL teams have shown particular interest in Collins during the pre-draft process. The Green Bay Packers appear most intrigued, with team scouts attending multiple Texas games and conducting formal interviews with Collins.
Other teams with reported interest include:
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Dallas Cowboys
- New England Patriots
- Los Angeles Chargers
These teams all have needs along the defensive line and could target Collins on day two of the draft. His performance at the NFL Scouting Combine only heightened this interest, as Collins demonstrated the athleticism that complements his on-field production.
What makes Collins especially appealing is his untapped potential. While productive at Texas, many scouts believe his best football still lies ahead, making him an enticing developmental prospect with a high ceiling.
Pre-Draft Activities
Alfred Collins has significantly elevated his NFL draft stock through impressive performances at key pre-draft events. His physical measurements and athletic testing have turned heads among scouts while his private workouts demonstrated the technical skills that complement his raw power.
Combine Performance
Collins made a statement at the NFL Scouting Combine with his imposing physical presence. He measured in at 6-6 and 332 pounds with over 34-inch arms – dimensions that immediately caught scouts’ attention.
His athletic testing showed surprising agility for a man his size. Collins posted a respectable 5.05-second 40-yard dash and demonstrated good lateral quickness in positional drills. His 28 bench press reps highlighted the raw strength that makes him such a force on the interior.
Perhaps most impressive was his performance in technical drills where Collins showcased refined hand technique and leverage understanding despite his massive frame.
| Measurement | Result |
|---|---|
| Height | 6’6″ |
| Weight | 332 lbs |
| Arm Length | 34â…œ” |
| 40-Yard Dash | 5.05 sec |
| Bench Press | 28 reps |
Pro Days
Collins built on his combine showing with a focused performance at Texas’ Pro Day. He opted to stand on most of his combine numbers but participated in positional drills to showcase his movement skills and technical ability.
Working with defensive line coaches, Collins demonstrated impressive flexibility and bend for a player his size. His ability to anchor against double-team simulations drew particular praise from NFL scouts in attendance.
Multiple teams with picks in the late first round, including the Packers who hold the 29th selection, sent defensive line coaches to work directly with Collins. His interviews with team representatives were reportedly impressive, with coaches noting his football IQ and understanding of defensive schemes.
Texas’ coaching staff emphasized Collins’ development curve, pointing to his admirable performance replacing two drafted defensive tackles from the previous year’s team.
Private Workouts
Collins has conducted several private workouts with NFL teams holding picks in the late first and early second rounds. The Indianapolis Colts brought Collins in for a pre-draft visit, signaling serious interest in the Texas standout.
During these sessions, teams have focused on assessing Collins’ pass-rush potential, as his run-stopping ability is already considered pro-ready. His combination of power and surprising quickness has impressed in these controlled environments.
Teams have also used these meetings to evaluate Collins’ conditioning and stamina. Reports indicate he’s shown good endurance in these workout settings, addressing one of the few concerns scouts had raised.
Collins is currently projected as a late first to early second-round selection, with his stock steadily rising due to his rare power and processing speed that translates immediately to the NFL level.
Comparative Analysis
Alfred Collins stands apart when examined against both his contemporaries and historical defensive tackle benchmarks. His unique combination of size, strength, and technique creates an intriguing NFL Draft profile that deserves careful evaluation against other prospects.
Peers Comparison
When we stack Collins against the 2025 draft class interior defensive linemen, his physical attributes immediately stand out. At 6’5″ and 332 pounds, Collins possesses rare size that few can match.
His run defense capabilities outshine many contemporaries. Collins uses his impressive upper body strength and long arms to control offensive linemen at the point of attack.
Where Collins falls behind some peers is in pass rush production. While he can bull rush effectively, his overall pass rush arsenal isn’t as diverse as top-tier prospects.
| Prospect | Height/Weight | Run Defense | Pass Rush | Projected Round |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alfred Collins | 6’5″/332 | Above Average | Average | 2nd |
| Peer Average | 6’3″/315 | Average | Average | 3rd-4th |
Historical Position Comparisons
Collins’ player profile most closely resembles A’Shawn Robinson, another massive defensive tackle who excelled against the run but had limitations as a pass rusher.
The modern NFL values interior defenders who can disrupt passing games. Collins currently profiles more as a traditional run-stuffer, which may limit his draft ceiling compared to historical first-round talents like Aaron Donald or Chris Jones.
His athletic testing numbers, particularly his 4.95 forty time, demonstrate solid movement skills for his size. This places him in good company historically among effective two-down defenders.
Collins’ draft projection as a Day 2 selection aligns with similar historical players who offered strong run defense with developing pass rush skills.
Coaches and Teammates’ Perspectives
Alfred Collins has earned significant praise from those who know his game best. His development at Texas has been closely tracked by coaches who have witnessed his progression from raw talent to NFL prospect.
Collegiate Coaching Staff
Steve Sarkisian has consistently highlighted Collins’ unique combination of size and athleticism. After Collins dominated in a crucial conference game last season, Sarkisian noted, “Alfred has that rare blend of power and quickness that you don’t often see in players his size.”
Texas’ defensive coordinator has been equally impressed, pointing to Collins’ improved technique. “His hand placement and leverage understanding took a major step forward,” he explained. “The film room work is really showing up on Saturdays.”
Position coaches marvel at Collins’ work ethic. During spring practices, Collins was regularly the last player to leave the field. He often put in extra time on his pass rush moves.
The coaching staff credits Collins with blossoming in 2024 to showcase dominant point-of-attack work in the trenches. His improvement in gap integrity and block shedding has been particularly noted.
Draft Classmates
Fellow defensive line prospects have taken notice of Collins’ rise. One SEC defensive tackle called him “the most technically sound big man in our class” during Senior Bowl interviews.
Collins has earned respect as a prototypical monster nose tackle among his peers. Several draft classmates mentioned his power at the point of attack as unmatched in their experience.
Texas teammates point to Collins’ leadership. “Alfred never talks about his own draft stock,” noted one linebacker. “He’s just focused on making us all better every day.”
Draft analysts currently project Collins as a second-round selection. His stock has risen following a strong combine performance where he impressed scouts with both his athletic testing and interview process.
Public and Media Perception
Alfred Collins has transformed from a promising five-star recruit to a legitimate NFL prospect during his time at Texas. The media has taken notice of his development, with many analysts predicting a breakout 2024 season for the talented defensive tackle.
NFL draft prognosticators have been particularly bullish on Collins. He’s currently projected as a Day 2 selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, with some analysts suggesting he could climb even higher with continued strong play.
The consensus among media outlets is that Collins possesses rare physical traits. At nearly 6-foot-6 and 332 pounds, he’s been described as an “absolute marvel” physically, combining imposing size with surprising athleticism.
His performance against the run has garnered particular praise from media scouts. Collins is widely regarded as the most pro-ready run defender among interior defensive linemen in the 2025 class.
Collins’ Draft Projection Rankings
| Source | Overall Rank | Position Rank | Projection |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFL Draft Buzz | #54 | #19 | 2nd – Late Round |
| Jon Ledyard | N/A | #1 Run Defender | Day 2 Pick |
| The Landry Hat | N/A | N/A | Day 2 Pick |
What’s most notable about Collins’ media perception is how analysts highlight his dominant point-of-attack work in the trenches. This skill particularly translates well to the NFL level, where controlling the line of scrimmage remains paramount.
The narrative surrounding Collins has shifted from potential to production. Texas media members who’ve watched his development closely have witnessed the transformation firsthand, noting his increased confidence and technical improvement.
