The 2017 season ended up a disappointing one for the Dallas Cowboys. Things didn’t quite go as they had planned, but they’re probably pleased with the way a few things turned out in the end. One of the things they have to be pleased with is the performance of their right tackle, La’el Collins.
To say that La’el Collins had a good year in 2017 would be an understatement.
He not only saw his bank account increase after receiving a contract extension from the Cowboys, but he was able to play an entire 16-game season.
I would qualify that as a good year. Wouldn’t you?
Fortunately, La’el Collins’ transition from left guard to right tackle worked out well. It’s a move that was met with some skepticism at the time, but Collins proved to be up to the task, and it’s actually excellent news for the Cowboys moving forward.
You see, the Cowboys really value versatility in their players.
Collins proved he has versatility in spades, and can now be counted on to play either LG or RT when needed. I can’t tell you how beneficial that is to the Cowboys, especially with the concern surrounding Tyron Smith and his future health.
Tyron Smith has a nagging back injury that has bothered him the last few seasons. Unfortunately, this is the kind of injury that isn’t going away, which raises some real concerns about his future. Right now, there’s no way of knowing how Dallas will handle concerns about Tyron Smith. They can roll the dice and hope he’s able to play an entire season without his back flaring up, but I think that would be unwise.
They must have a contingency plan if worse comes to worst. That is why I believe La’el Collins’ versatility is so important moving forward.
His position flex to start at either LG or RT could allow the Cowboys to find another starting-caliber left tackle through the draft or free agency as insurance for Smith. They could then kick Collins back inside to LG, his best position in my opinion, and play the rookie/FA at RT.
To me, this just makes too much sense not to happen.
The Cowboys would have a backup option for Tyron Smith, fill the hole at LG with Collins, and solidify the entire offensive line, all at once.
Of course, this all depends on the Cowboys’ ability to find another starting-caliber LT, and wouldn’t be possible in the first place without La’el Collins. His position flex has proven to be invaluable and should continue to be so.
I don’t think the Cowboys are even considering moving Collins back to LG, at least I hope they don’t. It’s far harder to find good tackles than it is good Guards and Collins appears ready to become a good/great RT. Also, a large part of good O line play is the teamwork/communication that develops among the linemen, not their individual talent level. All it takes is one misread in shifting blocking assignments to get your QB blown up, ala blitzers given a straight shot at the QB (and we saw several of those last year). What the Dallas O line needs is stability, not massive position change. It wouldn’t be fair to the player either. The footwork, hand work, and technique are so different between LG & RT that, if they did move him, he’d have to spend almost all of 2018 ‘re-learning’ the position. Plus the new RT would have to work on his communication/teamwork with RG Martin. The disaster that befell Green when he tried to shift back from Guard to Tackle is an example. When he was concentrating on tackle in 2016 he performed well in the two games he replaced Tyron, in 2017 after working at Guard all season, he was a disaster when they shifted him back to tackle. What you would end up with, I think, is another year of reduced line play as the players learn their new positions and the communication that goes with it.
Far better to get a decent FA or draft a developmental ‘swing tackle’. There are a few available in FA, not All-Pro/ Pro Bowl players, but guys who can hold their own w help for a couple of games. Dallas also needs to have a plan for the O line when Tyron is out vs when he is in. It seemed to me they expected whomever they put @ LT to play just like Tyron, that is unreasonable.
Unless Dallas is willing to pay mega-bucks, it is useless to speculate on finding a suitable left OT in free agency. We will have to rely on the draft.
Collins versatility allows you to consider offensive line in the first round which might sound a little crazy but Defenses have picked up on the holes in the line and took advantage(how bout adrian clayborn just to name one). The next Tyron is in the draft and the cowboys could have a chance to grab him, Orlando Brown Jr Tackle from Oklahoma(6,8 345lbs). I would give it a considerable thought
I agree it could happen in the 1st round and believe Orlando could be a fine young Tyron. I just wonder if he will be there at #19.
Collins does add flexibility. I’m not sure he is a better guard. Collins was at guard, but Leary did take it back and kept it until he left for Denver. There’s that. He can play both, but if so, then do the Boys need to resign Cooper?