Nick Collins

Collins doesn’t deliver as many hits as other top IDP safeties, but he’s one of the league’s better ball-hawks, with 13 interceptions the last two seasons. A series of nagging injuries (calf, chest) slowed him last season, which may have contributed to his low tackle numbers (47 on the year). With good health, he should be able to deliver a few more hits in 2010.

Heading into the 2008 season, Collins was regarded as a solid-but-unspectacular defensive back, with a resume featuring three seasons of decent tackle numbers and little in the way of anything else. But last season a new facet of his game emerged – ball-hawkery, in the form of a career-high seven interceptions, three of which he returned for touchdowns. Now entering the final year of his rookie contract, Collins could benefit from Dom Capers’ new Packers D, where his range and speed will be relied upon. An improvement in tackles would boost his stock, which is dependent on interceptions.

Collins may be at a make or break point in his career. He's always had a lot of potential, but has never made it to the next level in his development. He's solid, but not spectacular and will be pushed by Aaron Rouse for playing time.

Collins improved in every statistical category in 2007, with his finest performance coming at the last game of the season where he recorded two interceptions against the eventual NFC Champion Bears, returning one of them for a touchdown. Collins is a big-hitter with a lot of speed, and with a few more game-changing plays per season, he'll be a regular in pro bowl discussions.

Collins started at safety in 2005 as a rookie and held his own. He has a lot of potential and will try to build on his solid rookie season.

Collins, the Packers second round draft choice in 2005, has looked very good in camp and will begin the season as one of the starting safeties. He still has a lot to learn but is a tremendous athlete.