Brugler on Maliek:
WEAKNESSES: Lacks ideal height, length and growth potential…lacks overpowering strength to force his way through bodies with force alone…easily moved by doubles and can be washed out of the hole by angle blocks…stuck on blocks too long…still developing his counter moves, struggling if he doesn’t win with his initial step…will overrun the pocket and needs to better control his momentum in tight spaces…needs to better protect his lower body off the snap…needs to be smarter to let up and avoid roughing penalties…scheme-specific and lacks desired versatility.
STRENGTHS: Compact, strapping build…impressive athleticism for the position with smooth hips and footwork…uses initial surge and body control to penetrate gaps…explosive first step to generate pop at the point of attack, resetting well after contact to mirror and stop the run…active hand use to rip-and-pull through blocks, attracting offensive holding calls…nimble on loops and stunts…plays with terrific pad level and leverage to keep blockers from his body – former wrestler and uses several of the same techniques to be effective in trench warfare…team captain with reliable football character and strong work habits…mature and family-driven – has a two-year old son (Maliek Jr.)…productive two-year starter, rarely leaving the field.
BACKGROUND: A three-star defensive tackle recruit out of high school, Collins received offers from several Midwest programs, choosing Nebraska over Missouri – also a state champion wrestler in high school. He saw playing time as a true freshman back-up in 2013 with 12 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss and 1.0 sack. He became a full-time starter in 2014 as a sophomore and finished Second Team All-Big Ten honors, finishing with 45 tackles, 14.0 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks and was named the Nebraska Defensive co-MVP. Collins started 12 games as a junior in 2015 and saw his production dip with 29 tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks, but he again earned Second Team All-Big Ten honors. He decided to skip his senior season to enter the 2016 NFL Draft.
