The 2021 first-round pick was originally playing as an inside linebacker until Rallis and Gannon decided to move him to outside linebacker two seasons ago. But it's been so much more than just lining up outside.
Collins hasn't had the prototypical stats of an edge rusher in a 3-4 defense, with 3½ in 2023 and 5 last season. But his value was underscored last year when the Cardinals gave him a contract extension [at this time last year](https://www.azcardinals.com/news/zaven-collins-gets-contract-extension-through-2026), and even with the additions of Josh Sweat and Baron Browning, Collins remains a core starter.
"We utilize him in different roles because he's super-smart and he has this unique unicorn skillset for being as big as he is, how he can move and his understanding of the game," Gannon said. "I think he's going to take off."
Gannon does want Collins to think less on the field, something he and previous coach Kliff Kingsbury have said. Collins acknowledged he has had a "bad problem" holding on to his mistakes, which in turn would impact his play.
He believes he is in a better place now. Whatever duties he might have, his top goal is still to rush the passer better and get more sacks and pressures.
Yet Collins knows he's still going to be the chess piece.
He doesn't want to overstate it. His former teammate, Isaiah Simmons, was asked to do multiple things from a rush linebacker/defensive back coverage angle, and that's much harder to pull off. Collins said all of his movement mostly comes in the box.
There are moments of crazy though, like when the Cardinals were in a Tampa 2 look for their game against the Dolphins in Miami and he found himself across from Tyreek Hill coming from the slot and who went "screaming up the field."
"It's like, 'Oh, yeah. Got to get out early,'" Collins said with a grin. "As a rookie, I probably would've waited until the ball was snapped. I'm not waiting until the ball is snapped. Guy runs a 4.2, 4.3. You learn as you go on.
"I don't even argue (about the assignments). It's fun to do. Scheme things up."