Absolutely. I think Collins might never leave the field this year. A lot of people are still thinking the Pats need to find a “money” dime linebacker, a role that usually goes to a safety like Adrian Wilson (five years ago), but I think that role now goes to Collins.
He’s just as athletic as those kind of safeties and that small step he might lack on them in speed, he’ll make up for with his size and strength. Usually that guy covers tight ends anyways and Collins matches up well against those kind of guys.
We got just a taste of it in the playoffs last year, but I think this year Collins could be the Pats breakout player on defense. They’ll have him doing everything from blitzing to covering, he’ll really excel with great coverage on the outside that takes away the quick passing options.