While he has not been with the franchise for organized team activities, defensive back Landon Collins has noticed a difference with the New York Giants and likes what he sees.
He fractured his forearm in Week 16 of last season and upon recovering from a second surgery, Collins told Tom Rock of Newsday that he is set to return for minicamp by mid-June.
The former University of Alabama safety is the heart of soul of the Giants’ defense, totaling 341 tackles, four sacks, 28 pass breakups and eight interceptions through three seasons.
He’s recorded 100-plus tackles in each of the last three years, dating back to 2015 – the year he was selected in the second round of the NFL Draft. Hailing from New Orleans, La., Collins was an All-American and a BCS national champion in 2012 at Alabama under Nick Saban.
With him entering the final year of his $6.1 million rookie contract, Collins’ has an opportunity to collect a hefty pay day — should he be able to produce massive numbers. A two-time Pro Bowl selection and second team All-Pro honoree in 2016, Collins wants the Giants to get back to having the demeanor that made it Super Bowl champions twice against New England.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
