Nico Collins didn’t step on the field for Michigan in 2020, making the decision to opt out of his last season in Ann Arbor. That decision doesn’t seem to be affected his draft stock, though.

In fact, it seems that stock seems to be rising for the former Wolverine wide receiver.

Talking on SportsCenter on Saturday morning, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. believes that there’s a lot of interest in Collins at the receiver position. The NFL Draft expert thinks that Collins could be an early Day 2 selection in a few months.

“Nico Collins, wide receiver, Michigan — opted out, 6-4 and a quarter, 215 pounds, led the Big Ten with a 19.7-yard average per catch,” Kiper said. “He has that power-forward mentality. I think Nico Collins could be a second-round draft choice come late April.”

Collins finished the 2019 season with 729 yards and 7 touchdowns on 37 catches for the Wolverines, his best season in Ann Arbor. He separated himself as the team’s best downfield threat and could frequently make big plays when called upon.

The receiver didn’t have the opportunity to put up big numbers again in 2020, but it doesn’t seem to matter much to scouts, or to Kiper. Collins has been impressive this past week during Senior Bowl practice, getting one more chance to impress during Saturday’s game.

In three seasons at Michigan, Collins totaled 1,388 yards and 13 touchdowns on 78 receptions, averaging an impressive 17.8 yards per catch for his career.