La'el Collins Thread - Cleared post 767; visited Cowboys - 05/06/15

[Galian Beast]

Again, that's your opinion. If he had made a Pro Bowl team or been considered by anyone to be the best at his position? Maybe. But that's not the case. He's a good player on a great line.

Leary finished 5th in fan pro bowl voting for his position.

 

[xwalker]

The description I quoted mentioned an issue with circulation where the bone did not receive enough blood. If that happens for long enough, the odds of that bone crumbling greatly increase.

Not something I would be comfortable making a significant financial investment in over the next year or two. Therefore, the clock is ticking for Leary as a Cowboy. And I feel it's is a real reason why he isn't getting a long term deal.

That is describing what caused the problem in the first place.

Yes, he has a higher risk of cartilidge failure but it's not really getting worse.

Giving him a big contract is definitey a risk, but the term degenerative is used improperly in his situation.

 

[speedkilz88]

Leary finished 5th in fan pro bowl voting for his position.

That should be reason for Collins to sign with the Cowboys. Playing on this OL gives you higher recognition.

 

[LittleD]

Again, that's your opinion. If he had made a Pro Bowl team or been considered by anyone to be the best at his position? Maybe. But that's not the case. He's a good player on a great line.

Stash, you're protesting a bit too much. Leary is a pretty darn good run blocker and gets to the second level. I think the FO
would not disrupt the harmony on that OL this year except for injury. They had too good of a scheme working last year
and Garrett is going to the dance with who brung him. Leary may not get a big offer next year but, I think they are pretty set
on going into the season with the 5 amigo's intact. That's also the big reason I don't think you will see the Boys go that hard
after Collins.

 

[speedkilz88]

That is describing what caused the problem in the first place.

Yes, he has a higher risk of cartilidge failure but it's not really getting worse.

Giving him a big contract is definitey a risk, but the term degenerative is used improperly in his situation.

It's certainly not the same thing as bone on bone (like Ajayi) that is what everyone normally calls a degenerative knee.

 

[lostar2009]

who exactly are "they"?

NFL network

 

[xwalker]

I wouldn't have a problem seeing him replace either one. Whatever would get a first round talent to Dallas 'for free' while upgrading our offensive line for the long term can only be a good thing in my opinion.

I would just offer him a contract that guarantees the Cowboys will cut Free as soon as he signs. In fact I would call Free into Jerry's office and cut him on the spot. Actually, now that they have Green and Gibson I would just cut Free today.

 

[Stash]

I've never seen anyone consider Collins a can't miss, and frankly there is no such thing.

Yeah, but up then again, until an hour ago, you didn't know that he had played guard either. But here's one example:

"One of the most fascinating story lines out of the NFL draft – an a macabre, tragic sort of way – was the fate of LSU offensive lineman La’el Collins. The Spark Notes version is that he was a blue chip, can’t miss prospect who was a lock to go in the first round"

http://thornography.weei.com/sports/boston/2015/05/05/poll-should-patriots-sign-lael-collins/

You see plenty of rookie linemen not start year one.

Sure, rookies like Ron Leary for instance. But first rounders play.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

Collins would be a good long term option for multiple reasons but there is a good chance he would not beat out Leary as a rookie. Leary is a very underrated player. Collins has a better chance to beat out Doug Free in 2015 if given a real opportunity to do it.

Don't agree with this. I am not even sure Collins is a RT. He has a decent kick slide but his real strength is his ability to reach the second level and his ability to pull. He has really good feet but they translate more to Guard, IMO. He could turn into a nice RT but I don't think he has a chance in hell of beating out Free unless Free is still not recovered from his foot surgery. Leary on the other hand, I think he could be beaten out. You have the advantage of playing him between two Pro Bowl players. That's going to make things a lot easier for a Rookie. If he's playing RT, he's on his own to the outside. I could easily be wrong but that's how I see it.

 

[Stash]

Leary finished 5th in fan pro bowl voting for his position.

And what value should we place on that? In all honesty?

 

[xwalker]

It's certainly not the same thing as bone on bone (like Ajayi) that is what everyone normally calls a degenerative knee.

Yes, the more snaps that Ajayi plays or practices, the worse his issue gets.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

The description I quoted mentioned an issue with circulation where the bone did not receive enough blood. If that happens for long enough, the odds of that bone crumbling greatly increase.

Not something I would be comfortable making a significant financial investment in over the next year or two. Therefore, the clock is ticking for Leary as a Cowboy. And I feel it's is a real reason why he isn't getting a long term deal.

I think it is degenerative as well but I'm not a Dr. so I will defer to those who have better knowledge of the condition.

 

[Stash]

That is describing what caused the problem in the first place.

Yes, he has a higher risk of cartilidge failure but it's not really getting worse.

Giving him a big contract is definitey a risk, but the term degenerative is used improperly in his situation.

I'll respectfully agree to disagree. Based on the information I have been provided, it sounds like a chronic condition which will not get better or go away and one that makes him an investment risk.

It's why he originally went undrafted, and it's why teams won't invest significant money in him long term.

 

[lostar2009]

Like seriously I'm on breaking reading this do some of you guys work ?

 

[Stash]

Stash, you're protesting a bit too much. Leary is a pretty darn good run blocker and gets to the second level. I think the FO
would not disrupt the harmony on that OL this year except for injury. They had too good of a scheme working last year
and Garrett is going to the dance with who brung him. Leary may not get a big offer next year but, I think they are pretty set
on going into the season with the 5 amigo's intact. That's also the big reason I don't think you will see the Boys go that hard
after Collins.

Leary is by far the weakest link among the '5 amigo's'. Look no further than watching Fletcher Cox destroy him during the Thanksgiving Game. Leary's individual struggles played a huge role in by far the team's worst loss of the season.

That's something I'm not forgetting any time soon. He can and should be upgraded upon.

I will again say that if you have any chance to add a 'free #1 draft pick" you do it. By any and all means necessary.

 

[speedkilz88]

I'll respectfully agree to disagree. Based on the information I have been provided, it sounds like a chronic condition which will not get better or go away and one that makes him an investment risk.

It's why he originally went undrafted, and it's why teams won't invest significant money in him long term.

What he said is correct so I'm not sure what you are disagreeing with. It's at higher risk.

 

[Galian Beast]

Yeah, but up then again, until an hour ago, you didn't know that he had played guard either. But here's one example:

"One of the most fascinating story lines out of the NFL draft – an a macabre, tragic sort of way – was the fate of LSU offensive lineman La’el Collins. The Spark Notes version is that he was a blue chip, can’t miss prospect who was a lock to go in the first round"

http://thornography.weei.com/sports/boston/2015/05/05/poll-should-patriots-sign-lael-collins/

You see plenty of rookie linemen not start year one.

Sure, rookies like Ron Leary for instance. But first rounders play.[/quote]

I didn't say he never played guard before, I said he was a tackle not a guard, and that he will want to get paid like one.

 

[Nightman]

I think we all agree adding Collins would be a great thing

It is an almost no risk, minimal cost signing

Adding Collins, Green and Gibson to this OL would be one of those good problems

 

[KingintheNorth]

It seems to me the sell to Collins would be:

#1 Jerry's past experience with helping players get a second chance.

#2 The probability that he is a starter at either LG or RT in a year

#3 the heavy sets, where he'll play as a third TE this year

#4 the whole America's Team thing, the stadium, the celebrity, the fact that we should be a serious contender this year

 

[xwalker]

Don't agree with this. I am not even sure Collins is a RT. He has a decent kick slide but his real strength is his ability to reach the second level and his ability to pull. He has really good feet but they translate more to Guard, IMO. He could turn into a nice RT but I don't think he has a chance in hell of beating out Free unless Free is still not recovered from his foot surgery. Leary on the other hand, I think he could be beaten out. You have the advantage of playing him between two Pro Bowl players. That's going to make things a lot easier for a Rookie. If he's playing RT, he's on his own to the outside. I could easily be wrong but that's how I see it.

Leary's job in the Cowboys scheme is more difficult than playing LG in most schemes. The cheat Fred and the RG to the right which causes Leary to have to function similar to an OT on many snaps. They could always quit doing that, but then they'll be back to Free playing like he did in 2012.