NFL Draft News: Detroit Lions Target La’el Collins Trying To Withdraw From Draft
By Tony Fischer
LSU Offensive linemen La’el Collins ran into some legal trouble this week that has his agent trying to buy some more time for his client.
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The projected first round pick is wanted for questioning related to the death of his ex-girlfriend. Collins is not a suspect but the insistence of police to interview him in connection with the case has understandably caused his stock to drop.
"“He’s not a suspect, but we are seeking to question him,” Cpl. Don Coppola told Breer on Tuesday. “He knew the victim. We’re not sure of the exact nature of the relationship. But for the investigation and through the investigation, we’re exhausting all avenues to locate this young lady’s killer.”"
The article on NFL.com went out of its way to note that Collins is not the only person being questioned in the 29-year-old womans, however the inference is enough to start a slide in draft stock. That is why La’el Collins agent is petitioning to have his name withdrawn from the regular 2015 draft and to be included in the supplemental draft. The delay would give his client time to clear his name an potentially save him millions of dollars.
NFL Insider Ian Rapoport is doubtful that Collins request will be approved for fear of other players attempting to do the same when confronted with pre-draft controversy.
Interesting request by La’El Collins to be in the Supplemental Draft. Sources are very pessimistic. Would set a bad precedent.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 30, 2015
Major obstacles for La’El Collins: He’s a senior and automatically draft eligible. Plus, NFLPA doesn’t represent him yet. He’s not a player
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 30, 2015
On Wednesday DetroitLions.com beat writer mike O’Hara suggested the Lions draft the embattled linemen despite the pending legal issues. The controversy will almost guarantee Collins dropping to the Lions at #23 but is he worth the risk at any price. If his name in cleared he could be the steal of the draft. If he ends up be charged in connection with the murder then the Lions would have wasted another top pick. If Martin Mayhew is considering La’el Collins at #23 he better be absolutely sure his name will be cleared. Otherwise this draft could be a disaster.
Update:
Ian Rapoport is now reporting via NFL network that La’el Collins request to be included in the supplemental draft has been denied and he will be included in regular draft. That could make for an interesting choice in the first round of Collins is still on the board. Stay tuned….