Jamie Collins Case Study
The Cleveland Browns pulled off a stunning trade with the New England Patriots. Cleveland acquired linebacker Jamie Collins for a late third round pick. This pick was awarded to the Browns as compensation for losing key players to free agency so this ends up being a great deal.
However, it brings up numerous questions like why would New England give up such a young, coveted defender like Collins? It's a head scratcher if you think about it. Why would a winless team be buying before the trade deadline and what's the plan going forward?
From New England's standpoint, my guess is that their continuing on with the Bill Bellicheck way and refusing to overpay a veteran. In the past, they have not been afraid to trade away key players with expiring …show more content…
The linebacker is ready to prove his worth and show Cleveland that he can be their franchise player. Half a season is enough time for Collins to showcase his talent and for the Browns to evaluate him. They have three options when the season comes to an end. They can let Collins leave in which they will receive a compensatory pick, they can sign him to a lucrative contract, or they can use their franchise tag on him.
Whatever they choose to do, the four year veteran is versatile enough to use in multiple areas. Collins was acquired to fill the void left by the release of Paul Kruger and Nate Orchard going on injured reserve. The Pro Bowler has great awareness and coverage skills. In fact, he can drop back and cover tight ends, something Chris Kirksey has struggled with. He can even be used as a pass rusher to help a team with just 14 sacks.
Ultimately, the Browns added a versatile defender who has recorded 43 tackles in seven games. He instantly joins fellow linebackers Kirksey (72) and DaMario Davis (52) as Cleveland's leading tacklers. He hopes to cut down on all the scoring. Not a single opposing team that Cleveland has faced has scored less than 25 points. It's almost impossible for the Browns to do any
However, it brings up numerous questions like why would New England give up such a young, coveted defender like Collins? It's a head scratcher if you think about it. Why would a winless team be buying before the trade deadline and what's the plan going forward?
From New England's standpoint, my guess is that their continuing on with the Bill Bellicheck way and refusing to overpay a veteran. In the past, they have not been afraid to trade away key players with expiring …show more content…
The linebacker is ready to prove his worth and show Cleveland that he can be their franchise player. Half a season is enough time for Collins to showcase his talent and for the Browns to evaluate him. They have three options when the season comes to an end. They can let Collins leave in which they will receive a compensatory pick, they can sign him to a lucrative contract, or they can use their franchise tag on him.
Whatever they choose to do, the four year veteran is versatile enough to use in multiple areas. Collins was acquired to fill the void left by the release of Paul Kruger and Nate Orchard going on injured reserve. The Pro Bowler has great awareness and coverage skills. In fact, he can drop back and cover tight ends, something Chris Kirksey has struggled with. He can even be used as a pass rusher to help a team with just 14 sacks.
Ultimately, the Browns added a versatile defender who has recorded 43 tackles in seven games. He instantly joins fellow linebackers Kirksey (72) and DaMario Davis (52) as Cleveland's leading tacklers. He hopes to cut down on all the scoring. Not a single opposing team that Cleveland has faced has scored less than 25 points. It's almost impossible for the Browns to do any