Opting out of the 2020 season, Michigan wide receiver Nico Collins had a limited number of opportunities to improve his draft stock before the 2021 NFL Draft starts in April. His performance during the week of Senior Bowl seemed to really help, though.

Collins was considered one of the big winners from the week in Mobile, Alabama, showcasing his ability to beat defenders with his speed, as well as to win vertically against some really good secondary players.

Jim Nagy, a draft analyst and executive director of the Reese’s Senior Bowl, saw a lot of potential from Collins during the week. He also said the former Wolverine “looked different” despite opting out.

Nagy provided his analysis, as well as a clip from Senior Bowl practice:

In 2019, Collins was a big part of Michigan’s deep passing attack, totaling 729 yards and 7 touchdowns on 37 catches for the Wolverines. Over his three-year career in Ann Arbor, Collins hauled in 78 receptions for 1,388 yards and 13 scores.

Not playing in 2020 allowed other receivers to potentially move ahead of Collins in terms of draft status. But when he was back on the field, the former Michigan star proved to be a talented wide receiver and worthy of a draft pick.