The Dallas Cowboys are currently without a 2019 first-round draft pick after acquiring Wide Receiver Amari Cooper from the Oakland Raiders, but what if I were to tell you there was a way to regain another first-rounder? Well, with a little outside the box thinking I think there could be a way to accomplish just that.
It's completely hypothetical, but I think the Dallas Cowboys could possibly regain a first-round draft pick in the 2019 NFL Draft with little finagling and good luck. Everything would have to fall into place perfectly, but I think it's definitely doable.
Remember, this is completely hypothetical with a lot of “what if's” involved, but the Cowboys could regain what they lost acquiring Amari Cooper and come out of it no worse for wear. I think there are a lot of different scenarios that could accomplish this feat, but only one of them that doesn't hurt the team in my opinion and it centers around Right Tackle La'el Collins.
I know you're probably going to think I'm crazy, but I think the Dallas Cowboys could possibly land a 2019 first-round draft pick if they decided to trade away RT La'el Collins. Trust me, I wouldn't suggest this if I didn't think there was somebody capable of stepping in and playing just as well.
Enter Connor Williams.
I always believed Connor Williams' best position in the NFL was at right tackle, not on the inside at guard. And yes, I was one of those advocating for Williams to play RT and Collins to move back to LG before the 2018 season started. I thought that gave the Cowboys their best starting five.
Williams has been serviceable at LG this season, but has been overpowered at times. His athletic ability would've been much better served on the outside at tackle, which is where I would play him next season, making La'el Collins expendable.
Again, I know what you're thinking. If you move Williams to RT and trade Collins, there is now a void at LG. Well, that's where Xavier Su'a-Filo comes into play. He is coming off a fantastic performance against the Philadelphia Eagles and a lot of Cowboys Nation is already advocating that he remains the starter over Connor Williams.
If Su'a-Filo can maintain the same level play he did against the Eagles, he probably remains the starter for the rest of the 2018 season. If this is indeed what happens, he could end up being the starter once again next season, making my plan of trading La'el Collins more feasible.
Were you able to follow all of that?
Keep Xavier Su'a-Filo at left guard
Move Connor Williams to right tackle
Trade La'el Collins
Like I said, this is all hypothetical, but something that could feasibly happen. Now we just have to wait and see if Xavier Su'a-Filo can continue to play like he did last week, because without him sticking at left guard none of this is possible.
I told you it was some out-of-the-box thinking.
screeeeccchhhh! pumping the brakes for you. 🙂
although suafilo played well the other night, there is a reason he has been cut from several teams lately and was without a job until we called him. i would like to see him play some more.
no way we get rid of collins, maybe they decide on the switch during the off season (williams and collins), williams will most definitely need to be in the weight room during the off season
i think we will just go into the draft with a 2, we got our 1 this year and let’s stay the course.
I told you it was completely hypothetical and outside the box thinking ha ha. I definitely don’t see it happening, but IF Su’a-Filo can maintain this level of play it could be feasible. He was after all a 2nd-round draft pick and maybe just needed the right fit. Can’t get much better than playing next to Tyron Smith.
Remember, Marc Colombo (the Cowboys new OL coach) was considered a first-round bust before he joined the Cowboys and went on to have a pretty good career in Dallas. It could happen again…
good thinking but i’m a collins fan, i like the nastiness he brings to the team. kinda like erik williams, my favorite OL of all time.
you are probably right, this fit might be what he needed and yes 77 makes things so much easier, imagine if and when travis returns…..could be real nice.
i was a huge fan of Marc’s, another nasty OL, he played well here.
I’d definitely be hesitant to trade Collins away, but if Williams could step in and play just as well I’d certainly consider it. And, I agree with you about the nastiness ha ha
Love you Brian, but you’re never getting a first-round pick for an offensive lineman.
I think it’s possible, but probably not very probable. It would take a desperate team to give up a first-round pick.
We’d be lucky to get a 3rd for Collins.
I think a 1st is honestly a bit of a stretch, but a 2nd is reasonable. He’s young, proven, and has the versatility to play OG or OT. He would likely be the top OL in the 2019 draft class. It would likely take a desperate team to pull the trigger on such a trade, but I think it’s possible. However, I don’t think it’s very likely the Cowboys are willing to move on from Collins for all of those reasons.
I’m all in on the move between Collins and Williams even if Collins prefers RT. Probably keep Collins because we can’t get what he is worth. Remember depth is a good thing and Filo does not cost much by NFL standards.
Nice thought Brian, I would definitely say YES to that if it were a team that would give us a top 10 pick! I also agree with @oneputter that Collins does have a nasty side to him and that has come with Strength and I believe that Collins will continue to develop into one hell of a RT if that’s were he stays the rest of his career. BUT I believe right now he is a better LG and that we should switch Williams and if he refuses or has some negative reaction then trade him and again a top 15 would be ideal but a top 50 (2nd) would be more realistic. The switch would allow Conner to use his speed and with more muscle he could end up being a stud! We have a TON of cap space coming into the next 2 years but we also have a TON of in house talent to sign D-Law/B.Jones/Cooper/J.Smith/Zeke and yes Dak, the kewl thing is IMO S.Lee will retire either after this yr or next definitely. Which frees up some more money! Also we should sign E. Thomas as well which will solidify our D and make us a TOP 2/3 Def in the NFL! We can draft more Dline. Against the Eagles a comment and a screen shot was made showing our homegrown talent and I was proud of that and shows/proves that Will M. and guys know their crap and has been on top of their game! Thanks as always Brian, your great!
Sorry my man, but there is not even the slightest chance in this universe where someone would give a 1st rounder for Collins. Back to the drawing board on this one.
What will really help Dak is a totally injured Falcons secondary plus they lack a serious pass rush and they are giving up 28 points. If the O line can play decently (no Chaz Green) thenZeke should be able to do his thing and scooper will continue to help all the receivers improve our pass game. I am concerned about our defensive secondary holding up against falcons best unit their passing game with Matt Ryan