News: Strength for weakness? Is La'el Collins really on Cowboys' trade block?

[CCBoy]

Strength for weakness? Is La'el Collins really on Cowboys' trade block?

http://cowboyswire.usatoday.com/201...s-lael-collins-really-on-cowboys-trade-block/



Backup guard Ronald Leary has made it perfectly clear he is not interested in being in that role. The 2012 UDFA signing with 35 starts under his belt wants to be traded to a team where he could get more snaps. However, there might be another solution that would satisfy Leary’s needs. Could the Dallas Cowboys possibly trade 2015 UDFA find and fellow guard La’el Collins for a pass rusher instead of Leary?

“There is a possibility of a trade that might involve one of the Cowboys’ young pieces. The player to keep an eye on could be second-year guard La’el Collins.” – Yahoo Sports

Trading Collins might sound like a crazy idea at first. The first-round talent, has shown flashes of being a pro-bowl caliber player at left guard for years to come. In addition, the potential for Collins to play right tackle once Doug Free leaves is also intriguing. Leary is the one who wants out, but trading him might not net much in return.

A solid pass rusher in return, something Dallas needs desperately with the suspensions involving DeMarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory, in exchange for a downgrade from Collins to Leary is worth consideration. Leary is still young and capable despite his degenerative knee condition.


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This could also be a way to get around having to pay a completely All Pro offensive line, top dollar. Making signing Frederick a stronger target for now.

 

[Cowboy06]

who is the pass rusher would be my question?

 

[EST_1986]

I don't think I'd be a fan of trading Collins away

 

[Bullflop]

Ouch -- We took what appeared to be taking a big step forward in acquiring La'el -- are we preparing to take one step back now as well? I know this might well be nothing more than media speculation at this juncture but can't help but hope there's another practical approach that wouldn't put La'el Collins at risk of leaving. Here's hoping one or more of our DE prospects surprises us all in a big way.

Maybe there's actually something to be said for re-signing Frederick now rather than later. It might serve to take pressure away from the nagging issue of dealing with financing an All Pro OL in the future but still wouldn't address the immediate weakness at the DE position. Obviously, the FO has its work cut out for them, both this year and beyond.

 

[LittleD]

I too think Collins has an "all pro" career in front of him and I think he's the RKG Garrett craves. I would want
to know that I'm getting full value for him if I'm going to trade him away. It would have to be a young guy who's
already establishing himself as a major force at DE. I don't know of many and what team who has one want's
to trade for a young starting guard?

 

[CCBoy]

who is the pass rusher would be my question?

First off, we would have to define the description of who the targets would be to justify the trading of such a potentially strong player as Collins.

That would include young enough to balance the projected years of loss, for Collins. Then, integration into Marinelli's scheme considerations. I think that the physical set looked for here, are both large and fast. Speed being the variable most highly desired.

 

[CCBoy]

I too think Collins has an "all pro" career in front of him and I think he's the RKG Garrett craves. I would want
to know that I'm getting full value for him if I'm going to trade him away. It would have to be a young guy who's
already establishing himself as a major force at DE. I don't know of many and what team who has one want's
to trade for a young starting guard?

One starts with the teams in need of a quality offensive guard...and a good defensive end.

 

[LittleD]

One starts with the teams in need of a quality offensive guard...and a good defensive end.

You are right, of course. We got the guard and now we only have to identify the team with a need at guard who has that promising DE and is
desperate for a trade?

 

[CCBoy]

Ouch -- We took what appeared to be taking a big step forward in acquiring La'el -- are we preparing to take one step back now as well? I know this might well be nothing more than media speculation at this juncture but can't help but hope there's another practical approach that wouldn't put La'el Collins at risk of leaving.

Maybe there's actually something to be said for re-signing Frederick now rather than later. It might serve to take pressure away from the nagging issue of dealing with financing an All Pro OL in the future but still wouldn't address the immediate weakness at the DE position. Obviously, the FO has its work cut out for them, both this year and beyond. Here's hoping one (or more) of our young DE prospects surprises us all in a big way.

I'm pulling for just that. Next draft may already be heading for a top wide receiver; cornerback; and another defensive end.

 

[LittleD]

I really think the most likely scenario is that after the 1st two weeks of camp and DE player evaluation
of the potentials we have, Will McClay will pull up his list of "couch dwellers" looking for an opportunity and
start speed dialing. They can bring them in in bunches just like before. It will be like a DE candidate
turnstile.

 

[CCBoy]

who is the pass rusher would be my question?

Seattle has a need at offensive guard. They have depth at the position, DE. And a Collin for Michael Bennett trade would negate the need to tack on a draft pick as well. Both teams would benefit...and leave the door open to also pick up the likes of Freeney. That would be a coup set of moves from the start...and allow for intense competition, flexability, and youth develop at the same time.

A transition would be in place also...

 

[Bullflop]

I really think the most likely scenario is that after the 1st two weeks of camp and DE player evaluation
of the potentials we have, Will McClay will pull up his list of "couch dwellers" looking for an opportunity and
start speed dialing. They can bring them in in bunches just like before. It will be like a DE candidate
turnstile.

Considering past tendencies, such a scenario seemingly looms as a definite possibility. OTOH, it would probably please many around here if the powers that be saw fit to sign Freeney as our designated pass rush specialist.

 

[Bullflop]

Seattle has a need at offensive guard. They have depth at the position, DE. And a Collin for Michael Bennett trade would negate the need to tack on a draft pick as well. Both teams would benefit...and leave the door open to also pick up the likes of Freeney. That would be a coup set of moves from the start...and allow for intense competition, flexability, and youth develop at the same time.

A transition would be in place also...

I kinda like that approach -- it could afford us an instant way out of our DE dilemma and still offer a monetarily feasible way to get extra relief with the signing of Freeney. As much as I'd hate to see Le'el Collins depart, it could offer a fast fix for our defense. Of course, Bennett would also have to be agreeable with the prospect of coming to Dallas. It might require some friendly persuasion on Jerry's part.

 

[Chuck 54]

1. Despite his pancake blocks, Collins wasn't nearly as good as fans like to think. His pass pro was questionable, causing me to doubt if he's the answer at RT ever....all the OT draft picks and FA signings point to a similar concern.

2. I'm not saying that Collins' ceiling isn't higher than Leary; it is. However, if...IF we could get a starting DE in a trade, I can't imagine why folks would be against that. Do you think the LG play difference between that of Collins and Leary was that dramatic that it affects the W-L record? I don't.

3. That's not even considering losing Collins in two more years anyway when we may struggle to resign him after resigning Fredbird and Martin.

Clearly, we aren't going to give either left guard away, but if someone offered a starting DE for either side, we'd be crazy not to consider that deal. Gregory can't possibly be in any future plans...he might come back, but only a fool would even consider him part of our future. Add to that the fact that DLaw, the only proven starter, is also now one slip up from totally screwing us for an entire season.

For this year and the future, the Cowboys need to listen to all offers.

 

[basstapp]

I would trade him for Khalil Mack... thats about it.

 

[LittleD]

Considering past tendencies, such a scenario seemingly looms as a definite possibility. OTOH, it would probably please many around here if the powers that be saw fit to sign Freeney as our designated pass rush specialist.

I know...many on this board are just salivating at the option of signing Freeney just like Hardy last year. Anyone with a name will do. Just
don't think the Cowboys FO is going to walk down that line again. They have known for awhile that he's out there and they still aren't fishing
in that pond.

 

[LittleD]

I kinda like that approach -- it could afford us an instant way out of our DE dilemma and still offer a monetarily feasible way to get extra relief with the signing of Freeney. As much as I'd hate to see Le'el Collins depart, it could offer a fast fix for our defense. Of course, Bennett would also have to be agreeable with the prospect of coming to Dallas. It might require some friendly persuasion on Jerry's part.

Why do so many want to trade for any name player over the age of 30. Collins is worth more than that if that's the gamble you wanting to risk.
I also think Michael Bennett is not interested in coming to Dallas and certainly not unless you renegotiate his contract upwards. Bad deal!

 

[Bullflop]

I know...many on this board are just salivating at the option of signing Freeney just like Hardy last year. Anyone with a name will do. Just
don't think the Cowboys FO is going to walk down that line again. They have known for awhile that he's out there and they still aren't fishing in that pond.

OTOH, we might add a big YET as the last word in your final sentence. Dallas, like several other teams, is biding their time to see what happens with the youngsters before spending their resources on another DE. Anyhow, he'd likely make a great pass rush partner to team with Bennett. Sure, it's anything but a given but it'd really put the cherry on the cake if it came about. Let's also recall that Jerry has a way of persuading folks like Bennett to reconsider.

 

[LittleD]

OTOH, we might add a big YET as the last word in your final sentence. Dallas, like several other teams, is biding their time to see what happens with the youngsters before spending their resources on another DE. Yet, he might make a great pass rush partner with Bennett.

Bennett is also over 30 and I think the Cowboys are going to try and build their defensive line just like they have built their offensive line. It's going to take
a couple of years but, I do think that is the Garrett plan to build it in-house.

 

[MRV52]

This is all stupid talk, Collins is not going anywhere with so much upside.