Broaddus: Position Battle For La’el Collins; Dustin Vaughan’s Progression

[RS12]

• Take this one to the bank: Ronald Leary is not going to roll over and let La’el Collins have his job. The front office has done an outstanding job of adding talent and head coach Jason Garrett has always been about competition. Well, they have once again created it.
  Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick and Zack Martin were all “plug and play” guys. Collins is good and a real asset to this team, but let’s not forget what this offense has done with Leary lining up at left guard next to Smith. In the previous two seasons, Cowboys running backs have averaged over six yards a carry off that left side. There is going to be a nice battle there this summer, and if Collins is good enough to take that spot then he will have played his best football, which is all you can ask.

• You might not believe there is depth at a position like defensive line, but there really is. I like what I have physically seen from Ben Gardner and the possibility of him lining up at left defensive end, but keep a special eye onJack Crawford and what he might bring. With DeMarcus Lawrence the likely starter at that spot, Crawford is going to be given the opportunity to play a major role as a key backup at that spot. Where he really fits is as a first- and second-down defensive end who can move inside and rush from the tackle spot.
  Crawford is not a great athlete, and there are times where he will struggle with his bend, but the fact that he can play either end or tackle makes him a very valuable player.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2...le-la’el-collins-dustin-vaughan’s-progression

 

[AzorAhai]

I hope Vaughn does develop. At least enough to cut Weeden, who he doesn't need much progression to be better than.

 

[waving monkey]

the development of those four is interesting points

 

[Gameover]

Cowboys have come a long way in strenthening their offensive line from starters to depth.

Great job to all!

 

[Avery]

I would be happy with Vaughan getting 100% of the snaps in each preseason game.

 

[big dog cowboy]

It would be nice going into next years draft to know what we have in Vaughn. With any luck we've caught lightening in a bottle and he will be ready to step in when Romo walks away without skipping much of a beat.

 

[Risen Star]

Broaddus may be the worst writer not named Micky Spagnola of all time.

 

[Plankton]

Broaddus may be the worst writer not named Micky Spagnola of all time.

Clearly you haven't read David Helman's work!

 

[marchetta]

Leary's in the last year of his contract, and he's got a knee that could end his career any year. He's not going to get a contract extension here. So, he's nothing more than the proverbial progress stopper. Barring injury to Collins, Leary's as good as gone. Either this year or next. Either way, he won't be starting.

 

[Apollo Creed]

Leary's in the last year of his contract, and he's got a knee that could end his career any year. He's not going to get a contract extension here. So, he's nothing more than the proverbial progress stopper. Barring injury to Collins, Leary's as good as gone. Either this year or next. Either way, he won't be starting.

Hell of a problem to have if you ask me. Leary could start on 20+ teams and he's a progress stopper for our practically free pro bowl guard that we had ranked 12th on our draft board.

 

[darthseinfeld]

I hope Vaughn does develop. At least enough to cut Weeden, who he doesn't need much progression to be better than.

Vaughan is a fascinating guy to me. Physically he has the talent of a Day 2 draft pick, and he showed good poise last preseason. I really want to see if in year 2 he can operate a full NFL offense. I hope they give him all of game 4

 

[darthseinfeld]

It would be nice going into next years draft to know what we have in Vaughn. With any luck we've caught lightening in a bottle and he will be ready to step in when Romo walks away without skipping much of a beat.

I think if Vaughan turns into a starting caliber QB it says more for the merits of sitting and developing a QB as opposed to how most of the NFL has been doing things the past decade.

If you look at the top 12 in passers rating this year, you will be shocked to see how many of those guys sat

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

Leary's in the last year of his contract, and he's got a knee that could end his career any year. He's not going to get a contract extension here. So, he's nothing more than the proverbial progress stopper. Barring injury to Collins, Leary's as good as gone. Either this year or next. Either way, he won't be starting.

He seems like the perfect candidate to try and bring back. Sounds like he'll be a cheap solid linemen for you. Doug Free is the one who's probably on his way out. Well with his age, I think we know he's on his way out.

 

[ThreeandOut]

I think if Vaughan turns into a starting caliber QB it says more for the merits of sitting and developing a QB as opposed to how most of the NFL has been doing things the past decade.

If you look at the top 12 in passers rating this year, you will be shocked to see how many of those guys sat

With so many colleges running spread offenses these days, you'll probably see more QB's sitting a couple of years.

 

[AzorAhai]

Leary's in the last year of his contract, and he's got a knee that could end his career any year. He's not going to get a contract extension here. So, he's nothing more than the proverbial progress stopper. Barring injury to Collins, Leary's as good as gone. Either this year or next. Either way, he won't be starting.

Technically yes Leary is in the last year of his deal, but he is a RFA next year, not an UFA like many mistakenly believe. Whichever team has him is not going to let a high quality OG just walk. He's going to get a 2nd Rd tender and I highly doubt any team gives up a 2nd for Leary and a big deal because of the knee. As to your he wont start thing, it is very likely Collins gets a shot at RT next year. With Leary still likely to be here, he could easily be the starting LG next season. Not to mention if Martin, Collins or Free gets hurt he is probably back in the starting lineup.

 

[Idgit]

Glad I opened the thread to find out that we're planning on developing the developmental QB some. That sounds encouraging. Interesting that he seems to suggest that he's got a shot of being the backup at some point, too.
Somebody had an article to pad and was running out of material quickly.

 

[jobberone]

Free is very unlikely to go anywhere this year. Leary can keep Collins out of the lineup for now. I need to see Collins on grass against NFL competition.

 

[The Quest for Six]

Take this one to the bank: Ronald Leary is not going to roll over and let La’el Collins have his job

I wouldn't expect anything different, but Collins is taking his job at left guard...


The guy I'm interested in watching is Ben Gardner, I really liked him as a late round selection... has a motor that never stops..

 

[cowboysfan]

Who's the backup for Tyron ? Can Collin be the backup too ?

 

[jobberone]

Who's the backup for Tyron ? Can Collin be the backup too ?

Weems right now.