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2015 NFL Draft: Bengals Taking Landon Collins in the First Round?

By David Petrocelli

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Dec 6, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Landon Collins (26) causes a fumble from Missouri Tigers wide receiver Darius White (8) the 2014 SEC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports.

In Fansided.com’s latest mock draft, author Andrew Garda has the Cincinnati Bengals taking Alabama safety Landon Collins with their 21st selection.  Here’s Garda’s reasoning for the selection.

"ROLL TIDE as the first Bama defensive player comes off the board. Corner is probably a little bigger need but I really like the fit of Collins here. A safety who can play down in the box but also drop back, attack the ball in the air and make plays that way.An impact safety with all the tools to be a tremendous asset immediately, Collins would be a nice pick for Cincy and hopefully one of several in this class who can come in and help them get past that Wild Card round."

Although Collins could be a good fit and both of the Bengals’ current starting safeties, Reggie Nelson and George Iloka, will be free agents in the coming year, this pick will likely not happen.

The Bengals have glaring needs along the defensive line and are in dire need of pass rush help; Landon Collins doesn’t help there.  More than this, Marvin Lewis is in the final year of the current contract, so one would imagine he’d do all he can to win now.

The Bengals have two extra selections this year, both likely between the third and fifth rounds, so taking the best player available isn’t impossible.  Maybe this is what Garda is doing here.  It’s something the team did in 2013 when drafting Tyler Eifert.  But fans would be baffled by such a selection when also considering the team still has Shawn Williams, who’s possesses many similar traits, waiting in the wings.  Landon Collins is undoubtedly a very impressive prospect and probably the best safety in the draft, but this pick isn’t likely come April 30th.

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