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Nico Collins picked in third round, becomes Michigan’s highest-drafted WR since 2015
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It’s been awhile since a Michigan receiver has been selected this high in the NFL Draft.
Friday night, Nico Collins was taken in the third round at No. 89 overall. The former Wolverine will be headed to the Houston Texans to start his NFL career. He’s the highest-drafted wide receiver out of Michigan since the 2015 NFL Draft, when Devin Funchess was selected as the No. 41 pick in the second round.
Collins was the third Michigan player selected in this year’s NFL Draft. He was behind defensive end Kwity Paye, who was selected No. 21 overall by the Indianapolis Colts, and offensive tackle Jalen Mayfield, taken by the Atlanta Falcons at No. 68.
Collins opted out of the 2020 season because of the COVID-19 pandemic. His lack of film from this past season seemed to affect his draft status, but the wide receiver performed well during the annual Senior Bowl to bump up his value in front of scouts.
In three seasons at Michigan, Collins played in 27 games and hauled in 78 catches for 1,388 yards and 13 touchdowns. He maintained an impressive 17.8 yards per catch averaged during his career and was consistently the biggest deep threat on the Wolverines’ roster.
Collins will look to provide the Texans with that same kind of weapon.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB