For the last two years, La'el Collins has spent most of his time as a guard for the Dallas Cowboys. But not this year. Collins has moved out to right tackle during the Cowboys' workouts.
"Oh, man, it’s awesome actually," Collins told the Fort-Worth Star Telegram. "I actually forgot how good it felt to be out on the edge, to kind of be out there on an island. Right now we’re not doing too much, just kind of working plays against the air. That’s about it. But it feels good."
Collins played left tackle in his final two years at LSU, but kicked inside for Dallas with Doug Free handling the right edge. But after 10 years, Free retired, leaving critical shoes to fill.
"That’s huge pressure. That’s a lot of pressure," Collins said. "You’re out on that island. Doug was overlooked a lot, but Doug was a hell of a player, man. Ten years in the game. Even though he was hurt — you know he was hurting — he always said he felt great. That’s one thing you learn from an older guy like that and respect that. He was a great player, man."
Collins had 14 career starters and there's no guarantee he'll keep the starting job at right tackle. If he struggles, former third round pick Chaz Green (or even veteran Byron Bell) could overtake Collins and force him inside. If projected left guard Jonathan Cooper struggles, then the Cowboys could be forced to move Collins back inside and play either Green or Bell at right tackle. Collins, barring injury, will have one the two starting spots on the line, but it will be an interesting position battle to watch in the preseason.
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