Nico Collins may have opted out of the 2020 season, but it really hasn’t changed the expectations others have for the former Michigan wide receiver at the next level. One NFL analyst is already painting a pretty bright future for the ex-Wolverine.

Collins was a third-round selection in the 2021 NFL Draft, taken with the No. 89 overall pick by the Houston Texans. He saw a bump in his stock after participating in the Senior Bowl following the conclusion of last season.

NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks has pretty high expectations for the former Michigan receiver. The analyst believes Collins can be a starter early in his career and take over the role as a primary receiver with the Texans.

“It is hard to find big, athletic pass catchers with strong hands and big-play ability,” Brooks wrote. “Collins could start as a WR2 in Houston before seizing the role of the No. 1 receiver in a few years.”

Over his three seasons with the Wolverines, Collins totaled 78 receptions for 1,388 yards and 13 touchdowns. He provided Michigan with a deep-ball threat and was a great playmaker against defensive backs.

Those are the qualities Brooks loves about the receiver.

“What I like about Nico is he is an outstanding 50-50 ball winner,” Brooks said. “If it is a jump ball or contested catch, he comes down with it. We have seen flashes of that and we have seen him use his size.”

Collins was one of eight Michigan players selected in the draft.