Superlatives all around for Nick Collins: As a man, teammate, and great player.
He was selected with the 51st pick of the 2005 draft – a pick acquired from New Orleans for CB Mike McKenzie. It was regarded as a reach by more than a few national pundits and there was some “howling” from Packers fans as well (particularly after Thompson had selected a QB in the first round who would “never play” for the Packers). In addition to Collins coming from little Bethune-Cookman, there were concerns about his mental aptitude. Before the draft the Packers sent their new secondary coach Joe Baker to determine whether or not Collins could learn the D. I remember reading Baker really went in depth with him and of course was satisfied with his aptitude. Collins wasn’t great as a rookie - few rookie safeties are - but he started all 16 games and recorded the most combined tackles of his career. The rest is history: He only missed 3 regular season games from his rookie year through 2010. He had fantastic range and developed great instincts. Three well-earned Pro Bowl appearances to finish his career. From just a football perspective, it’s not only that he will be missed, he’s still missed.
