I like this player.
I had him bolded in my draft spreadsheet as one I hoped the Patriots would add.
That said, I liked Crable, Redd, and Mincey.
When the Patriots defense was good, that had athletic, versatile OLB's, and a bunch of them. The 2011-2012 teams have had a number of ILB's, with several of them playing OLB roles.
Collins is an athletic OLB who should be able to play in space. Hopefully a third-down OLB who can do a bit of Phifer, a bit of Vrabel. Big shoes to fill, but there hasn't been anyone in that versatile role for five years.
I'm in the let-Spikes-leave camp, but even with Spikes here long-term Belichick is at his best when he has more parts than starters. Look at the 2004 LB corps: McGinest, Vrabel, Colvin, Banta-Cain, Phifer, Bruschi, Johnson, Davis, Klecko, Izzo. Collins at least tips the team closer to that type of depth from a three-ILB & a bunch of special teamers.