The Dallas Cowboys have started the season 4-1 and much of the talk has surrounded Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliot. But when Dallas needed it most, they turned to a new front four on defense. And it’s safe to say that Maliek Collins has arrived. Sure, the big story was that Tyrone Crawford was actually moved to left defensive end. But, it was actually Collins’ surprising accession that should catch everyone’s attention.
Dallas Cowboys Defensive Tackle Maliek Collins Has Arrived
When a team goes out and hands out a four year $17 million dollar deal to a player in free agency, it’s expected he will start. That’s not the case, however, for Cedric Thornton. While he will still be a valuable rotation piece, Thornton has been supplanted by Collins. And it wasn’t close in regards to snap counts. At the end of the Washington game, Collins was able to use his strength to collapse the pocket. On the Jamison Crowder touchdown catch, he was able to land a nice lick on Washington quarterback, Kirk Cousins. Offering a nice mix of youth and technique, Collins presents a valuable skill set that has been sorely needed along the interior of the Cowboys defensive line.
What makes this breakout especially impressive is the fact that he missed almost all of Dallas’ OTAs with a broken foot. Typically when a rookie misses that much time it’s very hard for them to acclimate and make the transition to the NFL. Not to say that their season becomes a lost cause, but it certainly hinders their chances. But Collins has produced despite missing time early in his NFL career.
Who is Maliek Collins?
Born on April 8th, 1995, Collins was brought into this world by Janice Davis and C.W. Collins. Unfortunately for a young Collins, his father passed away of a heart attack when he was just six years old. This meant, with two older sisters, that he had to grow up early.
“It forced me to mature at a young age,” Collins told Steven Sipple of the Lincoln Journal Star. “Ever since I got to college, I’ve always been a little more mature. But really my son helped me even more. He made me understand I’m responsible for someone other than myself. I have to hold myself accountable to that.”
Collins is a mature guy and that certainly helps provide a layer of context. But lots of guys have children by the time they hit the NFL. What else makes Collins different, outside of his physical ability? How about the fact that, according to his player profile on huskers.com, he was involved in several community outreaches. They include donating his time with Uplifting Athletes, Make-A-Wish, Mad Dads, Madonna Rehabilitation Center and he even made local hospital visits. It was these selfless acts that helped earn Collins the Brook Berringer and Tom Osborne Citizenship Teams for his volunteer work. That’s the type of player the fans can get behind.
Performing Above Expectations
Playing as a rookie in the NFL is tough. It’s a very difficult transition revolving primarily around the increase in physicality. But when a player is 6-foot-2 and weighs in at a massive 313 pounds, it might not be as tough to handle the physicality of the pro game. Collins was also an outstanding wrestler in high school, with a record 48-0. This likely plays a major part in his ability to shed defenders in the run game and push the pocket while rushing the passer.
Collins’ ascension has continued throughout this season, including the Cowboys last two games games versus the Cincinnati Bengals and the San Francisco 49ers. Creating disruption has been an important aspect of his game, but finishing is the next step for the young defensive tackle. One of the criticisms of him coming out of college was just that. Collins has a knack for getting in the backfield or blowing up plays but he lacks the ability to end the play. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, either. The hardest part is actually just getting there on the play.
Collins has five pressures on the season, a number that doesn’t necessarily shed adequate light on his impact. In a recent interview with Mickey Spagnola, Collins said the team has been lining up with two three-techs instead of the traditional one tech and three tech. The Cowboys are asking him to get up the field and play the run and up to this point, he’s done just that. The results haven’t been there but in the context of Collins being a rookie, his play has been very impressive to say the least.
Defensive Line Outlook
While he only logged a limited number of snaps, the return of incumbent right end Demarcus Lawrence made a huge impact versus the Bengals. With Crawford moved to left end, and Terrell McClain and Collins playing the middle, the defensive line outlook is certainly more inspiring than it was at the beginning of the season.
David Irving, Jack Crawford, Ryan Davis, Benson Mayowa and Thornton have combined to provide a versatile group of rushers. Their value only becomes further enhanced by their ability to be a part of a rotation. This will keep everyone fresh throughout the game, ensuring maximum effort on every play. The Cowboys ball control style on offense only further manifests this philosophy. By controlling the clock, which inherently allows the defense to rest in of itself, it makes them even more dangerous.
There remains one major player still at large, as well. Randy Gregory may have bigger problems than football, but if he’s somehow managed to navigate his addiction issues, and the UFC doesn’t work out, he could provide an even bigger boost to an already shining defensive line.
Collins won’t be tasked with too much responsibility. He will be allowed to grow and make mistakes as he turns into a formidable NFL player. After a draft that many criticized, it appears as though it’s the Cowboys that are laughing now.
