To compare Simmons as a rookie, vs. Collins as a rookie; snap counts or otherwise; is ineffectual. Yes, they both are labeled as ILB's, however they play largely different positions; and if you don't understand this any additional discussion on the topic is futile.
As bankybruce inferred, Collins is intended as Hicks replacement, this was indicated by the club in pre-season comments! It just happened that the off-season and pre-season actions of the club served to fire-up Jordan Hicks, such that Hicks is having his best season so far as a Cardinal.
Additionally, the jump from defensive signal-caller at Tulsa to Vance Joseph's Cardinal's defense is greater than anyone, other than perhaps Joseph, was expecting.
As I view it, the timeline for Collins ascension has required modification, not abandonment. As it is said, "This is a good problem. . . "