Leading up to the NFL Draft, former Alabama running back Derrick Henry and former Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott are garnering the most discussion with respect to the running backs.

But let’s not forget about former Arkansas running back Alex Collins, who posted three straight 1,000-yard seasons in Fayetteville. Collins rushed for 3,703 yards and 36 touchdowns during his three-year career.

NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks says he had one scout tell him that Collins is the best back in the draft, and Brooks believes Collins could sneak into the first-round discussion.

“Alex Collins is the guy who’s kind of flying under-the-radar. There’s been a lot of conversation about Derrick Henry and Ezekiel Elliott, but this is a guy who I’ve had a scout tell me he [Collins] is the best running back in the draft. He’s a physical runner with three straight 1,000-yard seasons at Arkansas. He can get it done running in between the tackles.”

So, what does Collins have to show scouts leading up to the NFL Draft? Brooks explains.

“The thing that he has to show scouts is can he catch the ball out of the backfield and how natural he is as a receiver. If he can show those traits, he’s going to be someone who might sneak into the conversation in the first round.”

There’s plenty of time for Collins to show he can be a receiver out of the backfield. However, Collins recorded just 27 catches for 167 yards and no receiving touchdowns during his career.

Collins is one of the most interesting former SEC players leading into the draft this spring.