Can La'el Collins play RT?

[Floatyworm]

I don't think he will play RT for us.

And that would be a mistake. Why this team is married to Doug Free is beyond me. He ended Romo's career...Made Prescott run for his life more than was necessary. If you do the math....cutting Free saves you 5 million. Leary made $2,553,000 in 2016. If you cut Free....Your saying your ok letting Leary walk to save an extra 1/2 million?....that's just dumb. Pay the man!!!

 

[negativecreep]

I don’t think he’d be great at the position.

I would describe La’el as a guy that doesn’t have any quit in him, but he is not a technician and that doesn’t bode well for the position.

This is especially true because he is not an overwhelmingly lengthy guy, and he would actually give up size to rush ends like Jason Pierre Paul. I don’t think he would be able to get by on his effort like he did in college when it comes to pass pro. Needs refinement.

He's a tenacious player, but I think he’s where he probably should be. Just gotta give him time to really take off.

I agree.

 

[Doc50]

I absolutely would love if that was the case. Its a travesty to lose a player like Leary for nothing, but unfortunately the consensus is NO he can not. I am on board with re-signing Leary and trading Collins. Ive read on here Collins only has one year left under contract anyways so the money issue isnt far off with him either. Of course this COMPLETELY depends on what a trade would bring. I realize Collins doesnt have a huge body of work but in my bias opinion he still worth alot. Would be great to get some help on defense.

The likelihood of Leary's knee breaking down increases with each passing year. He knows it too, so he wants a big contract. Cowboys shouldn't take the the risk, so he should be gone.

Collins is just where he should be, and should not be moved anytime soon.
We just need to hit on a good draft pick at RT, or a guy on the roster needs to emerge (Chaz is not instilling much confidence).

Free Agency -- gotta love it if you're an armchair GM. That plus age and injury require constant retooling of every squad.

 

[silver]

Could they keep Leary with the transitional player tag? I don't know how much that would cost as a LG but it would ensure our line being intact for one more year. Lael could find a spot at RG with Martin moving over to RT. IMHO this would be the most economic approach to keeping our dominant OL one more season. Free could stay as the swing tackle at a reduced salary.

 

[irishline]

Could they keep Leary with the transitional player tag? I don't know how much that would cost as a LG but it would ensure our line being intact for one more year. Lael could find a spot at RG with Martin moving over to RT. IMHO this would be the most economic approach to keeping our dominant OL one more season. Free could stay as the swing tackle at a reduced salary.

The transition tag for offensive lineman was over $11 million in 2015, and almost $12 million last year. So I would imagine it would be close to $12.5 this year. There is only one tag for the offensive line so tackles push this number up.

https://www.nflpa.com/news/all-news/nflpa-confirms-2016-salary-cap-and-tag-numbers

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/03/02/franchise-and-transition-tag-numbers-are-in/

 

[xwalker]

Incorrect:
http://www.nbcdfw.com/blogs/blue-star/Lael-Collins-Moves-to-Left-Guard-306271421.html


With Doug Free recovering from offseason foot surgery, Cowboys rookie offensive lineman La’el Collins spent the first week of OTAs at right tackle. This week, he moved to left guard, which seems more likely to be his position when the season begins.

For Collins, who made no secret of the fact that his move to the right side took some adjusting, left guard brings a certain comfortability.

“You’re right there with down linemen, so everything is a lot quicker, which is good for me,” Collins said, per the Dallas Morning News. “I feel like that is part of one of my strengths, being able to get on guys quick is an advantage.”


Source: La'el Collins Moves to Left Guard | NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth http://www.nbcdfw.com/blogs/blue-star/Lael-Collins-Moves-to-Left-Guard-306271421.html#ixzz4WpHbMmGl
Follow us: @nbcdfw on Twitter | NBCDFW on Facebook

I'm not disputing that he took snaps at RT. I thought everybody knew that happened.

I'm disputing this:
Collins played some RT in OTA's when he first came to Dallas and was terrible, struggled with his footwork and technique.

This does not contradict what I said. There is nothing in these reports to indicate that he couldn't play RT.


"He's done a good job," Garrett said. "He's played both tackle and guard for us, like we had talked about coming out. He's done some good things at tackle, he's done some good things at guard. He's learning, he's a young player, and he's four practices into his NFL career. He hasn't done a whole lot, and we do a lot in terms of installation every week.

 

[xwalker]

None of it is Broaddus. I wish they would try him there again and think he would succeed. However it was widely reported that he was tried at RT in OTAs.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...oys-using-rookie-lael-collins-at-right-tackle

"The undrafted free-agent rookie is being used at right tackle in place of the injured Doug Free during this week's organized team activities. Collins is doing his best to catch up after starring at left guard and tackle at LSU.

"It's definitely a new position for me, so a new challenge," Collins said, per the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "I have to go out each and every day and focus on the small things -- my technique, my assignments. It's been a great two days for the OTAs."

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/05/28/la’el-collins-starting-out-right-tackle-eager-get-acclimated

"With the first week of Organized Team Activities concluding Thursday, Collins is wrapping up his first week of NFL practices, and all of them have come at the entirely foreign position of right tackle."

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.co...tting-his-first-cowboys-work-at-right-tackle/

“We think he has the physical ability to play a couple of different spots,” Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said. “He was a tackle for most of his career in college but did play guard. We see him as a guy who can maybe do both of those things as he goes.

“The big thing for him is to try to get him acclimated as quickly as we can. So right now he’s going to play right tackle for us."

http://www.espn.com/blog/dallas-cowboys/post/_/id/4744795/ron-leary-never-put-his-spot-up-for-grabs

"Absent were right tackle Doug Free and left guard Ronald Leary, the players Collins would compete with for a starting job. After a few days at tackle in the spring, Collins has been used exclusively at guard"

I guess my post was not clear. I know he took snaps at RT.

None of it is Broaddus. I wish they would try him there again and think he would succeed. However it was widely reported that he was tried at RT in OTAs.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...oys-using-rookie-lael-collins-at-right-tackle

"The undrafted free-agent rookie is being used at right tackle in place of the injured Doug Free during this week's organized team activities. Collins is doing his best to catch up after starring at left guard and tackle at LSU.

"It's definitely a new position for me, so a new challenge," Collins said, per the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "I have to go out each and every day and focus on the small things -- my technique, my assignments. It's been a great two days for the OTAs."

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/05/28/la’el-collins-starting-out-right-tackle-eager-get-acclimated

"With the first week of Organized Team Activities concluding Thursday, Collins is wrapping up his first week of NFL practices, and all of them have come at the entirely foreign position of right tackle."

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.co...tting-his-first-cowboys-work-at-right-tackle/

“We think he has the physical ability to play a couple of different spots,” Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said. “He was a tackle for most of his career in college but did play guard. We see him as a guy who can maybe do both of those things as he goes.

“The big thing for him is to try to get him acclimated as quickly as we can. So right now he’s going to play right tackle for us."

http://www.espn.com/blog/dallas-cowboys/post/_/id/4744795/ron-leary-never-put-his-spot-up-for-grabs

"Absent were right tackle Doug Free and left guard Ronald Leary, the players Collins would compete with for a starting job. After a few days at tackle in the spring, Collins has been used exclusively at guard"

I'm not disputing that he took snaps at RT. I thought everybody knew that happened.

I'm disputing this:
Collins played some RT in OTA's when he first came to Dallas and was terrible, struggled with his footwork and technique.

 

[Rogerthat12]

I'm not disputing that he took snaps at RT. I thought everybody knew that happened.

I'm disputing this:
Collins played some RT in OTA's when he first came to Dallas and was terrible, struggled with his footwork and technique.

This does not contradict what I said. There is nothing in these reports to indicate that he couldn't play RT.


"He's done a good job," Garrett said. "He's played both tackle and guard for us, like we had talked about coming out. He's done some good things at tackle, he's done some good things at guard. He's learning, he's a young player, and he's four practices into his NFL career. He hasn't done a whole lot, and we do a lot in terms of installation every week.

No one is saying he can not play RT but he is ideally suited to play LG, this is where he has played 2 years and if he were so good at RT in OTA'S, why was he moved to LG exclusively?

Provide some game tape of Collins at RT, oh wait, there isn't any!

Not only did Broaddus who was there tell us this numerous times and he actually works in the building but Collins admitted it was an adjustment himself!

He played LT/LG in college and struggled with the right side early, not a big jump really.

Garrett speak, he is not going to throw Collins under the bus in public this early.

Why move him to LG from RT if he was doing so well, Free was injured?

Collins:

"It's definitely a new position for me, so a new challenge," Collins said, per the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "I have to go out each and every day and focus on the small things -- my technique, my assignments. It's been a great two days for the OTAs."

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...oys-using-rookie-lael-collins-at-right-tackle


With Doug Free recovering from offseason foot surgery, Cowboys rookie offensive lineman La’el Collins spent the first week of OTAs at right tackle. This week, he moved to left guard, which seems more likely to be his position when the season begins.

For Collins, who made no secret of the fact that his move to the right side took some adjusting, left guard brings a certain comfortability.

“You’re right there with down linemen, so everything is a lot quicker, which is good for me,” Collins said, per the Dallas Morning News. “I feel like that is part of one of my strengths, being able to get on guys quick is an advantage.”


Source: La'el Collins Moves to Left Guard | NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth http://www.nbcdfw.com/blogs/blue-star/Lael-Collins-Moves-to-Left-Guard-306271421.html#ixzz4WtSNeAQI
Follow us: @nbcdfw on Twitter | NBCDFW on Facebook

 

[xwalker]

No one is saying he can not play RT but he is ideally suited to play LG, this is where he has played 2 years and if he were so good at RT, why was he moved to LG exclusively?

Not only did Broaddus who was there tell us this numerous times and he actually works in the building but Collins admitted it was an adjustment himself!

He played LT/LG in college and struggled with the right side early, not a big jump really.

Garrett speak, he is not going to throw Collins under the bus in public this early.

Why move him to LG from RT if he was doing so well, Free was injured?

Collins:

"It's definitely a new position for me, so a new challenge," Collins said, per the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "I have to go out each and every day and focus on the small things -- my technique, my assignments. It's been a great two days for the OTAs."

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...oys-using-rookie-lael-collins-at-right-tackle


With Doug Free recovering from offseason foot surgery, Cowboys rookie offensive lineman La’el Collins spent the first week of OTAs at right tackle. This week, he moved to left guard, which seems more likely to be his position when the season begins.

For Collins, who made no secret of the fact that his move to the right side took some adjusting, left guard brings a certain comfortability.

“You’re right there with down linemen, so everything is a lot quicker, which is good for me,” Collins said, per the Dallas Morning News. “I feel like that is part of one of my strengths, being able to get on guys quick is an advantage.”


Source: La'el Collins Moves to Left Guard | NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth http://www.nbcdfw.com/blogs/blue-star/Lael-Collins-Moves-to-Left-Guard-306271421.html#ixzz4WtSNeAQI
Follow us: @nbcdfw on Twitter | NBCDFW on Facebook

I'm telling you that I was at training camp and saw him at RT. Obviously, he looked smoother at LG because he was accustomed to left side footwork, but there was nothing to indicate that he could not play RT.

It's fairly obvious that Collins has taken time to fully adjust to the mental side of playing in the NFL, even at LG. They put him a LG to ease him into the NFL without having to switch up his footwork while also adjusting to the mental side of the NFL game.

The Cowboy played Flozell Adams at OG as a rookie and then moved him to LT in his 2nd season. He was also a player that was slow to adapt to the mental side of playing in the NFL. He went to 5 Pro Bowls but didn't go to the 1st one until about his 5th year in the league.

Collins might always be better at LG than at RT, but that does not mean that he can't be a quality RT and be a way better RT than Doug Free in his best year.

 

[silver]

The transition tag for offensive lineman was over $11 million in 2015, and almost $12 million last year. So I would imagine it would be close to $12.5 this year. There is only one tag for the offensive line so tackles push this number up.

https://www.nflpa.com/news/all-news/nflpa-confirms-2016-salary-cap-and-tag-numbers

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/03/02/franchise-and-transition-tag-numbers-are-in/

That might be too rich for the OL.

 

[CWR]

The likelihood of Leary's knee breaking down increases with each passing year. He knows it too, so he wants a big contract. Cowboys shouldn't take the the risk, so he should be gone.

Collins is just where he should be, and should not be moved anytime soon.
We just need to hit on a good draft pick at RT, or a guy on the roster needs to emerge (Chaz is not instilling much confidence).

Free Agency -- gotta love it if you're an armchair GM. That plus age and injury require constant retooling of every squad.

Yeah your right, it has to factor into the equation and Collins upside does too. I love the attitude Leary brings to the table but it is what it is. We never planned on keeping him. Who knows though, some players just defy the odds. I hope he has a long and productive career in the AFC. I also made that post thinking Collins was only locked up for one year when in reality we could put a 1st round tender on him and keep him for 2 without a huge contract.

 

[Rogerthat12]

I'm telling you that I was at training camp and saw him at RT. Obviously, he looked smoother at LG because he was accustomed to left side footwork, but there was nothing to indicate that he could not play RT.

It's fairly obvious that Collins has taken time to fully adjust to the mental side of playing in the NFL, even at LG. They put him a LG to ease him into the NFL without having to switch up his footwork while also adjusting to the mental side of the NFL game.

The Cowboy played Flozell Adams at OG as a rookie and then moved him to LT in his 2nd season. He was also a player that was slow to adapt to the mental side of playing in the NFL. He went to 5 Pro Bowls but didn't go to the 1st one until about his 5th year in the league.

Collins might always be better at LG than at RT, but that does not mean that he can't be a quality RT and be a way better RT than Doug Free in his best year.

Sorry but Collins only played RT at OTA's for 2 weeks and was moved to G after he struggled with footwork and technique, he did not play RT at training camp!

You have no idea what Collins will be at RT but we all know what he is at LG!

Dallas can draft a better suited player to play RT, no need to ideologically try to force Collins at the position which he has not played in college or the NFL!

 

[irishline]

I guess my post was not clear. I know he took snaps at RT.


I'm not disputing that he took snaps at RT. I thought everybody knew that happened.

I'm disputing this:
Collins played some RT in OTA's when he first came to Dallas and was terrible, struggled with his footwork and technique.

Ah sorry X. I understand, I miss understood what you were questioning.

 

[GhostOfPelluer]

I know its a bit off topic (but not entirely) so Im going to ask it anyway:

For us that are still learning the details of the game, which are the things and differences you find between playing tackle and guard? I know there are too many, but which ones would be the lets say, five things and differences between those two positions?

You can best answer this by figuring out what they play against. There is more speed and off-the-snap acceleration at DE or OLB (usually). Tackles need to be quicker off the snap and it helps if they have long arms and quick feet. The long arms are so they can make contact with the pass rusher before the pass rusher makes contact with them. Hand placement, technique with the hands and upper-body strength are vital to deal with the combination speed-strength from NFL edge rushers. They need quick feet to deal with the moves and counter-moves from pass rushers who might start wide and dip or spin inside, or start in the body, then work outside. The quickness off the snap is a must at LT and really pretty necessary at RT, too. Otherwise the edge rusher can capture the corner off the snap and it's all over. What makes Tyron so good is he's solid off the snap and his hands are maybe the best in the league. Once he gets his hands on you, with his upper body strength, you're basically done. His feet are great, too.

At guard you work more in a small box, so you need to be stronger in the lower body (upper body strength helps too) but you can get by being a little slower off the snap because DT in the league are usually slower off the snap than an edge guy. At guard the leverage game is just as important as the speed game. If you can find a guard that can also move, that opens up all kinds of options and if you watch Zach Martin play you will see how.

One knock on Collins was poor hands in pass protection and average off-the-snap ability, which is why he projected better at guard. Free is much better with his hands but Free has lost a step in his lateral movement and get-off-the ball ability and that's why he seemed to get worse as the year went on this season. Collins also has slower feet, so he gets caught leaning with the upper body often. It's not usually a big deal at guard, but can be disastrous at tackle.

 

[Doc50]

You can best answer this by figuring out what they play against. There is more speed and off-the-snap acceleration at DE or OLB (usually). Tackles need to be quicker off the snap and it helps if they have long arms and quick feet. The long arms are so they can make contact with the pass rusher before the pass rusher makes contact with them. Hand placement, technique with the hands and upper-body strength are vital to deal with the combination speed-strength from NFL edge rushers. They need quick feet to deal with the moves and counter-moves from pass rushers who might start wide and dip or spin inside, or start in the body, then work outside. The quickness off the snap is a must at LT and really pretty necessary at RT, too. Otherwise the edge rusher can capture the corner off the snap and it's all over. What makes Tyron so good is he's solid off the snap and his hands are maybe the best in the league. Once he gets his hands on you, with his upper body strength, you're basically done. His feet are great, too.

At guard you work more in a small box, so you need to be stronger in the lower body (upper body strength helps too) but you can get by being a little slower off the snap because DT in the league are usually slower off the snap than an edge guy. At guard the leverage game is just as important as the speed game. If you can find a guard that can also move, that opens up all kinds of options and if you watch Zach Martin play you will see how.

One knock on Collins was poor hands in pass protection and average off-the-snap ability, which is why he projected better at guard. Free is much better with his hands but Free has lost a step in his lateral movement and get-off-the ball ability and that's why he seemed to get worse as the year went on this season. Collins also has slower feet, so he gets caught leaning with the upper body often. It's not usually a big deal at guard, but can be disastrous at tackle.

Well said, GOP.

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Sorry but Collins only played RT at OTA's for 2 weeks and was moved to G after he struggled with footwork and technique, he did not play RT at training camp!

You have no idea what Collins will be at RT but we all know what he is at LG!

Dallas can draft a better suited player to play RT, no need to ideologically try to force Collins at the position which he has not played in college or the NFL!

Please point to any quote from coaches or reporters indicating he was moved for struggling with his footwork.

I won't hold my breath.

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

You can best answer this by figuring out what they play against. There is more speed and off-the-snap acceleration at DE or OLB (usually). Tackles need to be quicker off the snap and it helps if they have long arms and quick feet. The long arms are so they can make contact with the pass rusher before the pass rusher makes contact with them. Hand placement, technique with the hands and upper-body strength are vital to deal with the combination speed-strength from NFL edge rushers. They need quick feet to deal with the moves and counter-moves from pass rushers who might start wide and dip or spin inside, or start in the body, then work outside. The quickness off the snap is a must at LT and really pretty necessary at RT, too. Otherwise the edge rusher can capture the corner off the snap and it's all over. What makes Tyron so good is he's solid off the snap and his hands are maybe the best in the league. Once he gets his hands on you, with his upper body strength, you're basically done. His feet are great, too.

At guard you work more in a small box, so you need to be stronger in the lower body (upper body strength helps too) but you can get by being a little slower off the snap because DT in the league are usually slower off the snap than an edge guy. At guard the leverage game is just as important as the speed game. If you can find a guard that can also move, that opens up all kinds of options and if you watch Zach Martin play you will see how.

One knock on Collins was poor hands in pass protection and average off-the-snap ability, which is why he projected better at guard. Free is much better with his hands but Free has lost a step in his lateral movement and get-off-the ball ability and that's why he seemed to get worse as the year went on this season. Collins also has slower feet, so he gets caught leaning with the upper body often. It's not usually a big deal at guard, but can be disastrous at tackle.

The knock on Collins was not ability. It was consistency in technique. He would lose focus and chop or cross his feet on his kickslide for example. When he was on technique wise, he was more than capable. He was dominant.

 

[Bullflop]

Let's be honest here -- none of us have any idea if Collins is able to play RT capably or not.

At this point in time, the Dallas Cowboys' staff really doesn't appear to believe so, however.

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Let's be honest here -- none of us have any idea if Collins is able to play RT capably or not.

At this point in time, the Dallas Cowboys' staff really doesn't appear to believe so, however.

The staff simply likes Free better than fans do.

 

[Bullflop]

The staff simply likes Free better than fans do.

I'm sure of that, although I can't help but question if anyone here really knows what Collins can do at RT. Seems to me like the staff would have afforded him more time there if he looked all that promising. Perhaps that story is yet to be revealed to our satisfaction.