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Sonny Collins (College Stats) - 1976 NFL Draft Pick #36 by ATL

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Sonny Collins - 1976 NFL Draft

Player Profile:
Sonny Collins was a standout running back from the University of Kentucky, known for his impressive speed and agility. He had a successful college career, showcasing his ability to break tackles and make big plays. College Stats:

• Rushing Yards: 2,129
• Average Yards per Carry: 5.4
• Touchdowns: 16

Strengths:

• Speed: Collins possessed excellent straight-line speed, making him a threat to breakaway on long runs.
• Vision: His ability to read defenses and find running lanes was one of his key assets.
• Elusiveness: Collins could make defenders miss in the open field, contributing to his big-play potential.
• Durability: He demonstrated a strong ability to withstand the rigors of college football, rarely missing games due to injury.

Concerns:

• Blocking Skills: There were questions about his ability to pass block effectively, which could limit his playing time on third downs.
• Receiving Ability: While he was primarily a runner, his skills as a receiver out of the backfield were unrefined.

Pro Comparison:
Many analysts compared Collins to established NFL running backs, emphasizing his potential to replicate their success in the league, given the right system and coaching. Overall Outlook:
Sonny Collins was regarded as a promising prospect heading into the 1976 NFL Draft, with many expecting him to be selected in the early rounds due to his dynamic playmaking ability and strong college production.