Coming out of LSU, Collins was projected as a first round pick by the majority of scouts and analysts. He was ranked the seventh best cornerback by NFLDraftScout.com and the second best cornerback by NFL analysts Mike Mayock. Five of six mock drafts by NFL Media analysts had Collins going in the first round. Although he was coming off foot surgery, he was able to participate at the NFL Combine and completed most of the drills and workouts. Collins was unable to workout at LSU's Pro Day due to a foot injury. A week before the draft, NFL Media analysts Albert Breer reported that multiple teams had knowledge of multiple failed drug tests by him during his time at LSU. Before this the New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers were the two main teams to express serious interest in drafting him. NFL analyst Daniel Jeremiah projected Collins being selected in the second round following the findings of the failed drug tests.
