If Alfred Collins can be half of Bryant Young, we’ll be happy.
Could Alfred Collins be the breakout rookie of the San Francisco 49ers? One analyst thinks so.
Over at Fox Sports, NFL Draft analyst Rob Rang identified a rookie on every team in the NFL who reminds him of a franchise star. Unlike choosing the all-rookie team, or the ultimate team over the past 25 years (teams that have the 49ers missing in action completely), there has to be an entry for San Francisco.
The decision was Alfred Collins. It was curious to think he might take defensive end Mykel Williams, given all the positive things we’ve read and heard about him, but given that he needs to compare the player to a franchise star of years past, in this case, Bryant Young, the decision makes sense:
San Francisco 49ers: DT Alfred Collins — Bryant Young
Given the dominance of San Francisco’s defensive line over the past quarter-century, it might surprise you to learn that the 49ers haven’t produced a defensive tackle with more than one Pro Bowl to their credit since Young was honored after the 2001 and 2002 campaigns. Young was big and powerful, but also surprisingly agile and a very instinctive defender. Collins is still figuring things out, but his physical traits are like something generated on AI. If the 49ers hit on him, they truly will have struck gold.
For those unfamiliar, Bryant Young was drafted by the 49ers in the first round of the 1994 NFL Draft. He went on to win the Super Bowl with the club in his rookie season and then got several Pro Bowl nods throughout his career. While he never won a Super Bowl after his rookie year, Young was a wrecking ball on the field, finishing his 14-year career (all with the 49ers) with 89.5 sacks, 11 forced fumbles, six fumbles recovered, and yes, we can’t forget his 29 passes defended. From a defensive tackle.
If Collins can produce half of that statline, it’s safe to say we’ll be more than pleased. As stated previously, the defensive line has been a sort of running gag outside of Nick Bosa, and if Collins can bring stability (along with Williams), the jokes can finally be outdated.
Collins doesn’t seem like the only one who could give those franchise-star vibes. As I said, Mykel Williams has given me an Aldon Smith vibe at times. The problem is, Smith didn’t play for the 49ers very long before his demons got the best of him. There’s been a lot of love for wide receiver Jordan Watkins, but you instantly want to compare any wide receiver to Jerry Rice, and that’s just not happening (yes, I’m aware there are other wide receivers who played on the 49ers).
Given the 49ers draft, do you see any other players that could break out and be the second coming of a legend? If you think Jordan James is the second coming of Frank Gore, specify in the comments.