FRISCO, Texas – While there have been some discussions of La'el Collins moving back to the left guard spot, he is currently still a right tackle.
And as of Sunday night, Collins said he isn't really thinking about any other position at the moment.
"I like playing tackle," Collins said during Sunday's Taste of the NFL charity event at The Star. "Right now, I'm focused on playing tackle. That's where my mindset is. That's where I'm grinding for."
Collins was a standout tackle at LSU but played guard his first two seasons in the NFL before the switch out to right tackle last year. Collins played through different injuries, including a nagging back problem, but still managed to play every single offensive snap of the 2017 season.
With the recent free-agent signing of veteran Cameron Fleming, who started for the Patriots in the Super Bowl last season, Collins could wind up at guard in an attempt to get the best players on the field together. The Cowboys also signed veteran guard Marcus Martin and re-signed Joe Looney to provide more depth at guard and center. Backup Chaz Green is also an option at left guard.
"You've heard me say this a lot but one of the things we want is always try to play our best five guys," head coach Jason Garrett said Sunday night. "A big part of that, beyond who are the best, is try to put them in the best place individually and the best place collectively. His versatility is going to help us. We have signed a couple of linemen. We'll put them in the mix next Monday and get to work."
The Cowboys begin their offseason conditioning program on April 16, and that's when Collins could get a better idea where he might be lining up this year.
If he does slide back to guard, Collins knows he can be successful, something he proudly admits.
"I played against a lot of great players at right tackle. It made me better as a player," Collins said. "Pretty much being able to play every position except center feels great. It was a big stepping stone for me going into next year. I'll be ready wherever it is.
"(But) I don't even thinking about switching positions. I'm just focused on getting bigger, faster, stronger and making sure I'm healthy going into this year. I'll be ready to roll."
