PHILADELPHIA — Jamie Collins’ versatility will keep him in the defensive rotation throughout his rookie season, but he’ll have the opportunity to play his way into a prominent role if he can force turnovers in games the way he has in practice.

The Patriots linebacker has notched at least three forced fumbles and one interception during the first two weeks of training camp, and it doesn’t seem to be a fluky occurrence, either. Collins racked up three interceptions, seven forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and three defensive touchdowns to go along with 21 sacks in four collegiate seasons.

His takeaway ability will be impossible for the coaches to ignore if it translates to live NFL reps.

“I see the ball, and it’s instinct,” Collins said yesterday. “I usually go for the tackle, but if the ball is exposed, I’m going to get it. I feel like getting the ball back to the offense as much as they need it, and that’s what I’m going to do when the time is right. I’m going to get it.

“It’s natural for me.”

Bill Belichick always refers to turnovers as the most important stat other than points, and that leads to a real emphasis on drills in practice, where Collins has obviously shined. Those coaching points have led to an NFL-best 113 takeaways since 2010, and the Pats have finished in the top three in that department in each of those seasons.

For Collins to get the opportunity to stand out as a ball hawk, he’ll also have to continue to be solid in his multitude of defensive responsibilities, and he’s off to a good start there, as well. Collins has played as an outside linebacker in both 3-4 and 4-3 bases, and also has earned first-team reps alongside either Jerod Mayo or Dont’a Hightower in nickel packages.

Collins’ coverage skills have drawn high praise from his teammates, who know his college background as a freshman safety at Southern Mississippi who turned into a linebacker and defensive end. And because of that, Collins’ most intriguing position has been at outside linebacker in the 3-4, where his responsibilities will range on any given play, and read-and-react instincts off the snap are crucial for survival.

Yesterday, Collins made a play off the right edge that was indicative of a player who belonged. Eagles quarterback Michael Vick was running the read-option and handed the ball to running back Chris Polk. Defensive end Justin Francis engaged the left tackle, and Collins ducked inside to hit Polk almost instantly. Collins didn’t complicate the process after practice.

“It’s just reading and reacting,” Collins said. “If you can do it, you can do it. If you can’t, you can’t. For me, I just do my job and get to the ball. I’ve been coached about that since I was in college — get to the ball, get to the ball. I’m going to do my job and whatever it is, I’m going to get to the ball no matter what.”

Rob Ninkovich, who is the leader of the Patriots’ edge players, has quickly become impressed with Collins’ attributes in coverage and rushing the passer. If that keeps up, the Patriots could be inclined to play more 3-4 base sets to get their most talented front-seven players on the field at the same time, using Chandler Jones, Vince Wilfork and Tommy Kelly on the line, Mayo and Brandon Spikes at inside linebacker and a combination of Hightower, Ninkovich and Collins on the edge.

“(Collins’) athletic ability makes him excel at everything,” Ninkovich said. “For a guy like myself (in coverage), I have to use my techniques. I have to be close to a guy. Him, if he’s a few steps behind, it’s OK, because he can just gain it back and there he is. I think that’s the difference with a guy like Jamie who has the athletic ability to make a two-step error and still make it there the same time I would because he has more athletic ability.”

Collins is still lean, so his greatest adjustment on the edge will be competing against runs when he’s at the point of attack. That might take longer to develop.

Collins is excited for whatever challenges he receives, especially the responsibility of learning multiple positions as he tries to earn his spot on the field.

“It’s exciting,” Collins said. “I can show my skills, show what I can do. It’s a team thing. Whatever it is, I’m going to do it.”