2019 Raiders Draft Prospect Profile
Name: LJ Collier
Position: Defensive End
School: Texas Christian University
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 280 pounds
Draft Projection: Day 2
Stats
Pass Rush
If you are looking for flashy, or supremely technical, Collier is not the one. However, if you want an end that shows up and wants to fight his way through lineman, he is your guy. From the snap, Collier uses heavy hands and sheer meanness to get home. Yet, he will uncork a spin to slip a block and work his way back into the play. Meanwhile, if he extends his arms and gets that separation, tackles will get pushed back and off-balance. At the next level, Collier will provide a line coach a canvas to learn new technique.
Run Stuffing
Collier looks like he enjoys the contact of the run game. When faced up with a run-blocking tackle, Collier will sink his hips and spring his legs, standing up the blocker and forcing the tackle up
Speed
When Collier is timed in the 40, ignore it. In that case, watch the film and watch the three-cone drill. Although he will not win a footrace, Collier’s decisive pursuit style makes him faster than what most would believe. For example, he will make the nearside sideline play to the surprise of just about many.
Strength
At 280 pounds, Collier brings the aggression when engaged. He will meet a tackle with power, regardless of the size of the opponent. All of this starts with his hands. Every now and then, you will see Collier discard a lineman with brute force.
Tackling
Blessed with an outstanding tackle radius, Collier collapses on a target with power, preventing yards after contact. In addition, Collier will decleat the ballcarriers by wrenching, but not driving them to the ground. This, in today’s football remains smart.
Raiders Fit
Emerging from a dismal 2018 pass rush campaign, the Oakland Raiders employ a rather limited pass rush. From the end spot, there is a mix of older players and Arden Key. No matter which combination of the group never worked. If they draft Collier, he will never those strictly focused on measurements. Yet, to Paul Guenther, who values toughness, Collier would wow him. The Raiders need a pass rusher with versatility. On passing downs, Collier can slide inside and operate as a tackle. Yet, he will provide a physical presence as an end.
