Maliek Collins Taken in Third Round by DallasMaliek Collins Taken in Third Round by Dallas
Football

Maliek Collins Taken in Third Round by Dallas

University of Nebraska defensive tackle Maliek Collins became the first Husker taken in the 2016 NFL Draft, as he was selected in the third round by the Dallas Cowboys Friday evening.

The 6-2, 300-pound Collins was the 67th overall pick in the draft and continues a trend of success for Nebraska defensive lineman in the NFL Draft.  The Huskers have now had 14 defensive lineman selected in the first four rounds of the NFL Draft since 1997.

Collins’ third-round selection marks the third straight year Nebraska has had a defensive player taken in the first three rounds, and the ninth time in 12 years a Blackshirt has been selected in the top three rounds.

The Kansas City product was a two-time second-team All-Big Ten selection before he chose to bypass his senior season of eligibility and move on to the NFL. Collins was a powerful run-stopper, while showing the athleticism to harass opposing passers as well. He finished his three-year career with eight sacks and 23 tackles for loss along with 19 quarterback hurries. During his junior season, Collins’ play helped Nebraska rank ninth nationally in rushing defense, allowing less than 110 yards per game.

Collins was well respected by his teammates as evidenced by his election as one of six captains for the 2015 season.

It is the second straight year that the Dallas Cowboys have selected a Nebraska defensive lineman, as Randy Gregory was a second-round pick in 2015.

The third round is underway with rounds 4-7 of the NFL Draft set for Saturday at 11 a.m. (CT).