Maliek Collins
DT, Nebraska · 2016 NFL Draft, Round 3, pick #67 (DAL)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: age, availability. Details below.
- Age
21 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 56.6% of the time (663 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 147 of ~165 possible regular-season games from 2016 through 2025 (~89%). Plus 7 games so far in 2026.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #78 (#14 at his position), close to where he went (#67). The whole market, not just his team, missed on him.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.6% of the time (2,104 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
Nebraska: a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.3% of the time (4,181 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 5.03 40-yard dash at 311 lbs: faster than 30% of DLs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.5% of the time (2,288 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Position
DT (DL group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 53% of the time (966 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numberslive
| Games | 154 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 10 |
| Pro Bowls | 0 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 51 |
| 2026 in-season credit (est.) | 2.1 |
| Redraft value (wAV + 2026) | 53.1 |
| Defense | 167 tackles, 40.5 sacks, 1 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2026 |
Career wAV via nflverse draft_picks + 2026 in-season credit from snap counts through Week 7.
The 2016 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2016 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Age 21 or younger | 56.6% n=663 | |
| Pre-draft rankings Within a round of ESPN's rank | 50.6% n=2,104 | |
| School Power-conference school | 50.3% n=4,181 | |
| Athletic testing Middle 50% | 50.5% n=2,288 | |
| Position DL | 53.0% n=966 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 2", 311 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 5.03 s |
| Bench press | 25 reps |
| Vertical | 29.5" |
| Broad jump | 109" |
| 3-cone | 7.53 s |
| Shuttle | 4.52 s |
| Age at draft | 21 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #78 overall (#14 DT) |
Picked around him 2016 redraft
| 64 | Kevin Byard | redraft #9 |
| 65 | Carl Nassib | redraft #86 |
| 66 | Max Tuerk | redraft #230 |
| 68 | Will Redmond | redraft #178 |
| 69 | Yannick Ngakoue | redraft #29 |
| 70 | Bronson Kaufusi | redraft #195 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.