The decision by the Dallas Cowboys to move La’el Collins from left guard to right tackle was met by some skepticism by quite a few members of Cowboys Nation during the off-season. I’m not ashamed to admit that I was one of those skeptical of the move, but I’m not afraid to admit he has exceeded my expectations.
In all honesty, I always believed that La’el Collins’ best position in the NFL is on the interior of the offense of line as a guard. I thought he could use his strength and athleticism to his advantage when working in a phone booth against slower and less athletic defensive tackles. That’s not to say I didn’t think he would make a good right tackle, I just thought he had Pro Bowl potential as a guard.
Strangely enough, Collins has probably put together a Pro Bowl caliber season in his first season starting at the right tackle position for the Cowboys. He has become an upgrade over the previous starter Doug Free, and is really starting to earn high praise from the brass. Stephen Jones in particular has been impressed with Collins, especially considering how he has played after missing two full weeks of practice.
#DallasCowboys COO Stephen Jones told @1053thefan La'el Collins has answered the bell after his contract extension. pic.twitter.com/lOcffDcbNF
— Mark Lane (@therealmarklane) December 11, 2017
I personally agree with everything Stephen Jones said about La’el Collins. I’ve really enjoyed watching his progression this season, but I have been really impressed how he played the last two weeks after missing so much practice.
You might not of known, but Collins has missed two full weeks of practice due to a herniated disc in his back. This is put his availability to play against the Washington Redskins and New York Giants in jeopardy, but somehow he has toughened up and played considerably well.
This unfortunately will be something he has to continue to battle through the rest of the season, but I’m not going to bet against him playing. He absolutely makes this offensive line better and I would hate to see Chaz Green or Byron Bell back on the field after the way they played as feel-ins.
La’el Collins has without a doubt earned my respect and I think it’s about time we all recognize the player he is turning into. I know the Dallas Cowboys appreciate all that he does and believe that his recent contract extension is money well spent.
While I agree with his ability to dominate inside, I was in favor of the move for these reasons;
– Collins is a special athlete with plenty enough agility to play OT
– We knew Free was a great run blocker but suspect pass blocker. OG is easier to fill than OT, so try for the upgrade from Free with a player this talented.
– Collin’s start in the NFL at LG, saw a few injuries befall him. He might be too brittle for OG or C, but if you move him outside he might be more durable. It’s looking now like that could be true.
At the end of the Landry era, and then again after Jimmy left, this team forgot that EVERYthing offense and also defense, hinges on an OL that can take over games. Never forget that again. They are the cornerstone of winning football.