When I see a young defensive lineman entering the NFL with power, potential, and hype, I immediately pay attention. Alfred Collins is one of those names. From dominating in college at Texas to being picked by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2025 NFL Draft, Collins is a player I believe is going to make some noise.
Early Life & High School Star
Alfred Collins was born on October 8, 2001, and grew up in Bastrop, Texas. At Cedar Creek High School, he was a standout in multiple sports — football, basketball, and track & field (shot put/discus).
In high school football, he amassed 253 total tackles, 74 tackles for loss, and 18 sacks over his career. That’s the kind of stat line that immediately turns heads. He was a five-star recruit with offers from big programs like Alabama, Baylor, Oklahoma, and Texas A&M — but he chose Texas, where he would make a name for himself.
College Career at Texas
At University of Texas, Collins steadily grew into a force on the defensive line. Over five seasons (2020–2024), he appeared in over 60 games, making 26 starts.
Some highlights:
In 2024, Collins earned second-team All-American honors and was First-team All-SEC.
He finished his Texas career with around 142 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks.
In his time there, he became known for his ability to stop the run and his versatility along the line.
What impressed me is how he wasn’t just big — he combined size, strength, feet, and motor. At 6’6″ and 332 lbs, he turned heads with his performance at the combine: a strong vertical, broad jump, and mobility for his frame.
NFL Draft & Transition to Pro Football
In the 2025 NFL Draft, Collins was selected in Round 2, pick 43, by the San Francisco 49ers. He signed a 4-year rookie contract worth about $10.31 million.
Early in his rookie season, in Week 1, Collins made his debut and recorded his first tackle.
The 49ers see him as a run-stopper and interior disruptor. He’s expected to contribute to stopping the ground game and putting pressure inside. That ability to collapse the pocket from the inside will be key to his success.
Strengths & What He Brings to the Table
From what I see, here’s what makes Collins exciting:
Run defense: He was recruited partly for this. He has the frame and instincts to hold gaps and make tackles behind the line.
Versatility: He can line up in multiple spots on the defensive front, which gives coaches flexibility.
Athleticism for size: His combine results showed movement ability that many big linemen lack. That gives him room to improve and adapt.
Work ethic and attitude: Collins has emphasized a team-first mentality, eagerness to learn, and the will to contribute even in rotational roles.
Challenges & What He Needs to Work On
No player’s path is smooth. For Collins:
Pass rush development: His sack numbers in college were solid, but to be elite in the NFL, he’ll need to add more moves, counter-moves, and refine his technique.
Consistency vs. double teams: Opposing offenses will test him with double blocks. His strength and hand usage must be top-level.
Durability & stamina: At 332 lbs, staying healthy through a 17-game plus playoffs NFL season is a test.
Adapting to speed & technique: The NFL is faster, QBs move differently, and linemen are more refined. The transition is steep.
What to Watch in His First NFL Seasons
Here’s what I’ll be watching as Collins begins his pro career:
1. Snap counts & role – Is he a rotational piece or quickly becomes a starter?
2. Run stopping stats – Tackles for loss, missed tackles, run-stop win rate.
3. Quarterback pressures – Even if he doesn’t rack up sacks, being disruptive inside matters.
4. Matchups vs better competition – How he fares against veteran offensive linemen will show his ceiling.
5. Growth year on year – Will he improve in pass rush, recognition, gap control?
Final Thoughts
Alfred Collins is one of those young defenders whose journey I’m really pumped to follow. He has the tools, the college pedigree, and the attitude to succeed. If everything clicks — technique, health, opportunity — he could become a core piece of a defensive unit for years.
In my view, Collins’ story is just beginning. And if he plays true to his promise, he won’t just be a solid pickup. He could be one of the most talked-about interior defenders from this draft class.
Tags:
Alfred Collins, NFL, San Francisco 49ers, Texas Longhorns, Defensive Tackle, NFL Draft 2025