2015 NFL Draft Stock Sinking For La’el Collins?

La’el Collins is expected to be a top 20 draft pick tomorrow night. That is unless his draft stock starts to sink and he falls to day two or day three. Collins is being sought after by Baton Rouge, Louisiana police detectives regarding the murder of 29 year old Brittney Smith who was eight months pregnant.

Earlier today a report began to circulate that Collins could have been the unborn babies father but that has not be substantiated. It was also reported that Collins’ attorney’s had been in touch with the police regarding his whereabouts at the time of the death but according to a new report, Collins hasn’t spoken to the police. He did however leave Chicago earlier today.

With the draft only hours away now it’s unclear what the intentions of Collins are. The police have said they only wanted to question him about the murder as he was in a former relationship with her and that he was not a suspect. Apparently that means not at this time. Rumors tend to swirl very quickly when not enough information is available so it’s cautionary to assume any wrongdoing by Collins in this situation.

Profootballtalk.com brings an interesting view from one of their team sources into the situation as it relates to the draft. If Collins has nothing to hide and nothing to do with the murder as many believe then why is he not trying to do whatever it takes to get his name cleared ahead of the draft tomorrow night? I suppose if it were me I would be on the phone with the police right up until I walked up to their desk.

This is not to say or insinuate that Collins is guilty of anything or has knowledge of anything only that his current status with the police is odd given tomorrows draft start. Teams looking at Collins as a potential pick will need to strongly consider what little is known and then make a decision on whether or not they should use one of their picks on him. It’s a touchy situation simply because there are no facts and Collins doesn’t appear to be in a gang buster hurry to get his name cleared.

Collins is one of the top offensive lineman in this years draft and has had no off-field issues during his time with LSU. His high character makes this entire situation seem out of place and odd, that does not however end all the questions.

In several mock drafts this year I have selected Collins as a potential pick at 14 and while I defended that selection on Tuesday nights “On The FinSide” broadcast I have to admit that unless something changes in the next 12 to 15 hours I will be removing him not only off that pick slot but possibly off my draft boards all together.