Lael Collins vs. Zack Martin vs. Leary

[reddyuta]

Free is a good run blocker but he has trouble with speed too,I think Collins should get equal snaps at guard and Tackle.

 

[mattjames2010]

I don't get why so many think there are going to be a "competition". I highly doubt he was brought in to be a backup.

I'm sure expectations are that he'll show his worth in camp and become a starter.

Doesn't mean that will. Again, having Leary and Collins is a luxury. If Collins doesn't show he's ready for a regular season game, you start Leary. Draft status shouldn't matter, don't risk Romo or messing with the chemistry this line has because of a top 15 prospect that came cheap.

 

[mattjames2010]

As for Collins, he'd be a liability in pass protection if he starts day one at RT. That might happen due to Free not being 100%, but I in no way expect him to anchor that right side with his poor footwork and balance.

 

[AbeBeta]

Leary beating Collins out would be fantastic for Dallas actually. If he walks as a free agent then Dallas would get a comp pick for him and still have an instant starter waiting to take Leary's place. Be an All Pro Leary!

Leary is an RFA at the end of the season. Since he was undrafted, there is no compensation unless we put a very high tender on him - which we likely won't. So that would mean all we would have is the right to match whatever offer he received. In that scenario, he's netting us nothing in comp picks.

Also, the entire idea that we should let guys walk to get comp picks is a useless strategy. Leary isn't getting some big contract somewhere - he's not a top target for anyone - at best we get a 7th rounder. Those picks are hold very little value. Just look at last year - we pretty much threw away most of our 7th rounders. That's just the nature of those picks.

 

[theogt]

Yes, it's unlikely that we've obtained all pro caliber rookies two years in a row.

 

[AbeBeta]

As for Collins, he'd be a liability in pass protection if he starts day one at RT. That might happen due to Free not being 100%, but I in no way expect him to anchor that right side with his poor footwork and balance.

Poor footwork - I think you are not reading his scouting reports right - a consensus first round pick is going to have items listed as "weaknesses" but those issues are not huge ones. His game has room for improvement but calling his footwork and balance poor is ridiculous. Guys rated this high aren't poor in any area.

 

[Doc50]

Both Leary and Free have degenerative conditions, Leary - knee, and Free - ankle.

Leary's has been stable, though it's a career-threatening chronic condition.

Free's has simply been arthritis and cartilage fragmentation, and he just got it cleaned up (again).

It may be that Free actually ends up with the shorter career, so their performance in camp will be important to determining Collins' usage.

I'm sure that this injury uncertainty has weighed on the minds in the FO, hence the need to take Green, and the elation at getting Collins.

And, as others have said, Free has been solid, a leader, and a role model, but won't be all-pro.

 

[AbeBeta]

Yes, it's unlikely that we've obtained all pro caliber rookies two years in a row.

Of course, being sandwiched between two all pros makes that LG job easier.

 

[Toruk_Makto]

When back and watched this tape:



Compared that to Zack Martin film from college. Then I looked at nfl.com draft summaries and ratings for both.

Came away with Martin being a physically stronger and more technically sound player coming out of college, with the only advantage for Collins being longer arms.

All things being equal, I don't think we get Zack Martin redux this year from Collins. We might want to put a little lid on our excitement until Collins can get his balance and hand work fixed.

And I wouldn't pencil Leary to the bench just yet.

So you mean Collins won't be an all pro as a rookie?

 

[Toruk_Makto]

I don't get why so many think there are going to be a "competition". I highly doubt he was brought in to be a backup.

I don't know if you've been paying attention but the Jason Garrett Cowboys play the best players regardless of pedigree. If Leary is better than Collins...he'll play.

If Collins is better than Free or Leary...he'll play.

Kind of the definition of competition.

 

[speedkilz88]

I don't know if you've been paying attention but the Jason Garrett Cowboys play the best players regardless of pedigree. If Leary is better than Collins...he'll play.

If Collins is better than Free or Leary...he'll play.

Kind of the definition of competition.

And if they rate you top 15 in the draft they think you are better than Leary and Free.

 

[mattjames2010]

Poor footwork - I think you are not reading his scouting reports right - a consensus first round pick is going to have items listed as "weaknesses" but those issues are not huge ones. His game has room for improvement but calling his footwork and balance poor is ridiculous. Guys rated this high aren't poor in any area.

I'm reading his scouting reports just fine. He's a Zack Martin, his future is at guard. Both played tackle in college, but they just don't have the right skillsets to play RT and I have no idea why people are pushing so hard for him to be RT when it's clear his biggest flaws are at the tackle position. Nothing wrong with putting him at guard.

 

[CashMan]

Leary is an RFA at the end of the season. Since he was undrafted, there is no compensation unless we put a very high tender on him - which we likely won't. So that would mean all we would have is the right to match whatever offer he received. In that scenario, he's netting us nothing in comp picks.

Also, the entire idea that we should let guys walk to get comp picks is a useless strategy. Leary isn't getting some big contract somewhere - he's not a top target for anyone - at best we get a 7th rounder. Those picks are hold very little value. Just look at last year - we pretty much threw away most of our 7th rounders. That's just the nature of those picks.

But then, the Cowboys wouldn't of had to trade a 6th, for Swaim!

 

[AbeBeta]

I'm reading his scouting reports just fine. He's a Zack Martin, his future is at guard. Both played tackle in college, but they just don't have the right skillsets to play RT and I have no idea why people are pushing so hard for him to be RT when it's clear his biggest flaws are at the tackle position. Nothing wrong with putting him at guard.

No - you are reading them and saying he'd be a liability at RT. He wouldn't suck at RT. He'd likely be pretty good. The reports suggest he's got a higher ceiling at G. That's very different from your interpretation

 

[CashMan]

And, as others have said, Free has been solid, a leader, and a role model, but won't be all-pro.

It is funny, how Free went from a good starter at LT to get a contract, to not being good, to being a solid, leader, and role model.

Maybe he is, but I just do not see it. Compared to Parnell, yes.

 

[Doc50]

It is funny, how Free went from a good starter at LT to get a contract, to not being good, to being a solid, leader, and role model.

Maybe he is, but I just do not see it. Compared to Parnell, yes.

You know he had that good year early on at LT, and was thought to be the long term answer there, but he started having ankle problems and his feet have not been as quick. His head and heart have been good, he agreed to play for production and restructure his salary accordingly, and the other guys love him.

He's been a RKG.

 

[erod]

Like Garrett said, he'll play the best five.

Isn't it nice to have depth on the o-line? No more Cory Proctors, Pat McQuistans, Phil Costas, and Alex Barrons.

 

[mattjames2010]

No - you are reading them and saying he'd be a liability at RT. He wouldn't suck at RT. He'd likely be pretty good. The reports suggest he's got a higher ceiling at G. That's very different from your interpretation

As a rookie, playing at a high level at RT? There are better prospects coming out of the draft nearly every year that are built for the RT spot and have trouble. The guy has poor footwork and **** for balance. He'd be killed by NFL pass rushers, it's simple. You put him in at guard if he beats out Leary and I wouldn't even think of putting him at RT unless we absolutely have to.

 

[CashMan]

You know he had that good year early on at LT, and was thought to be the long term answer there, but he started having ankle problems and his feet have not been as quick. His head and heart have been good, he agreed to play for production and restructure his salary accordingly, and the other guys love him.

He's been a RKG.

I think you are right. When I think of OL, I think Power not Finesse, so that is why I am a little biased.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

I don't know what they are going to do with Collins but I hope that he does not get equal time at both Guard and Tackle. As a Rookie, it will be hard enough for him to learn all he will need to learn. I hope they decide what they want to do with him and focus on just one position. I think that in the long run, that will be more helpful to his development then splitting snaps.

JMO