While free agency officially begins in March, roster turnover isn't too far away. The Cowboys will indeed add and presumably release players, along with letting some go without a new contract.
However, the majority of the 2018 roster is already in place. In the coming weeks, the staff of DallasCowboys.com will preview those players, analyzing where they've been and where they're going.
Today, we'll continue the series with tackle La'el Collins.
Views of #71 Right Tackle La'el Collins from the 2017-18 Regular Season.
10 September 2017: La'el Collins (71)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 1 regular season 19-3 win over the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
10 September 2017: La'el Collins (71)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 1 regular season 19-3 win over the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
17 September 2017: La'el Collins (71)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 2 regular season 42-17 loss to the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) rushes against Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle La'el Collins (71) during an NFL regular season football game on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017 in Denver. The Broncos won, 42-17. (Ric Tapia via AP)
Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) rushes against Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle La'el Collins (71) during an NFL regular season football game on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017 in Denver. The Broncos won, 42-17. (Ric Tapia via AP)
17 September 2017: La'el Collins (71)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 2 regular season 42-17 loss to the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
17 September 2017: La'el Collins (71)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 2 regular season 42-17 loss to the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle La'el Collins (71) and Dallas Cowboys offensive guard Zack Martin (70) get set at the line of scrimmage during the 2017 NFL week 3 regular season football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Monday, Sept. 25, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz. The Cowboys won the game 28-17. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle La'el Collins (71) and offensive guard Zack Martin (70) in action during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Monday, Sept. 25, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cowboys defeated the Cardinals, 28-17. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle La'el Collins (71) and offensive guard Zack Martin (70) during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Monday, Sept. 25, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cowboys defeated the Cardinals, 28-17. (Ryan Kang via AP)
25 September 2017: La'el Collins (71)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 3 regular season 28-17 win over the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
01 October 2017: La'el Collins (71)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 4 regular season 35-30 loss to the Los Angeles Rams at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
01 October 2017: La'el Collins (71)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 4 regular season 35-30 loss to the Los Angeles Rams at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
01 October 2017: La'el Collins (71)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 4 regular season 35-30 loss to the Los Angeles Rams at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
01 October 2017: La'el Collins (71)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 4 regular season 35-30 loss to the Los Angeles Rams at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
DAL vs GB
DAL vs GB
DAL vs GB
DAL vs GB
Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle La'el Collins sets up to block in action during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. The Packers defeated the Cowboys 35-31. (G. Newman Lowrance via AP)
08 October 2017: La'el Collins (71)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 5 regular season 35-31 loss to the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
08 October 2017: La'el Collins (71)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 5 regular season 35-31 loss to the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle La'el Collins (71) and Green Bay Packers linebacker Ahmad Brooks (55) face off during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
21 October 2017: La'el Collins of the Dallas Cowboys during their walk through practice at San Jose City College Jaguar Stadium before their week 7 regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle La'el Collins (71) and guard Zack Martin (70) against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017.
22 October 2017: La'el Collins (71)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 7 regular season 40-10 win over the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle La'el Collins (71) during an NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017. (Tom Hauck via AP)
22 October 2017: La'el Collins (71)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 7 regular season 40-10 win over the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
28 October 2017: La'el Collins of the Dallas Cowboys departing for their game at the Washington Redskins at DFW Airport, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
29 October 2017: La'el Collins (71)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 8 regular season 33-19 win over the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
29 October 2017: La'el Collins (71)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 8 regular season 33-19 win over the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
29 October 2017: La'el Collins (71)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 8 regular season 33-19 win over the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
29 October 2017: La'el Collins (71)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 8 regular season 33-19 win over the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
DAL Vs KC
DAL Vs KC
DAL Vs KC
Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle La'el Collins (71) during an NFL regular season football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys won, 28-17. (Ric Tapia via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs' Justin Houston (50) lines up against Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle La'el Collins (71) and guard Zack Martin (70) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
05 November 2017: La'el Collins (71)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 9 regular season game 28-17 win over the Kansas City Chiefs at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by Sam Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys' La'el Collins (71) and running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) celebrate a touchdown scored by Elliott during an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
DAL Vs ATL Departure
DAL Vs ATL
DAL Vs ATL
12 November 2017: La'el Collins (71)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 10 regular season 27-7 loss to the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett (97) runs around the edge in front of Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle La'el Collins (71) during a week 10 NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Atlanta. Atlanta won 27-7. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett (97) runs around the edge in front of Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle La'el Collins (71) during a week 10 NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Atlanta. Atlanta won 27-7. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Vic Beasley Jr. (44) runs around the edge in front of Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle La'el Collins (71) during a week 10 NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Atlanta. Atlanta won 27-7. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
12 November 2017: La'el Collins (71)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 10 regular season 27-7 loss to the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys offensive guard Zack Martin (70) and tackle La'el Collins (71) prepare for the snap during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
19 November 2017: La'el Collins (71)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 11 regular season 37-9 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
19 November 2017: La'el Collins (71)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 11 regular season 37-9 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle La'el Collins (71) faces off with Philadelphia Eagles' Brandon Graham (55) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
DAL vs LAC
DAL vs LAC
Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyron Smith (77) and offensive tackle La'el Collins (71) run onto the field prior to a week 12 NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday, Nov. 23, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. Los Angeles won 28-6. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
23 November 2017: La'el Collins (71)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 12 regular season 28-6 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by Sam Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa (99) rushes as Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle La'el Collins (71) defends during an NFL football game, Thursday, Nov. 23, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa (99) rushes as Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle La'el Collins (71) defends during an NFL football game, Thursday, Nov. 23, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
23 November 2017: La'el Collins (71)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 12 regular season 28-6 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by Sam Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman La'el Collins (71) run blocks during an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys won the game, 38-14. (Greg Trott via AP)
Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle La'el Collins (71) blocks during a week 13 NFL football game against the Washington Redskins on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. Dallas won 38-14. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle La'el Collins (71) blocks Washington Redskins linebacker Junior Galette (58) during a week 13 NFL football game on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. Dallas won 38-14. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
10 December 2017: La'el Collins (71)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 14 regular season 30-10 win over the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle La'el Collins blocks New York Giants defensive end Kerry Wynn during an NFL football game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017. (Winslow Townson/AP Images for Panini)
17 December 2017: La'el Collins (71)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 15 regular season 20-17 win over the Oakland Raiders at Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, Calif. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
17 December 2017: La'el Collins (71)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 15 regular season 20-17 win over the Oakland Raiders at Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, Calif. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle La'el Collins (71) and guard Zack Martin (70) block during a week 15 NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017 in Oakland, Calif. Dallas won 20-17. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack (52) runs around the edge in front of Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle La'el Collins (71) during a week 15 NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017 in Oakland, Calif. Dallas won 20-17. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle La'el Collins (71) blocks Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack (52) during a week 15 NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017 in Oakland, Calif. Dallas won 20-17. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
24 December 2017: La'el Collins (71) of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 16 regular season 21-12 loss to the Seattle Seahawks at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The award was accepted by Michelle Witten and family. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
24 December 2017: La'el Collins (71) of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 16 regular season 21-12 loss to the Seattle Seahawks at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The award was accepted by Michelle Witten and family. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle La'el Collins (71) blocks Seattle Seahawks defensive end Frank Clark (55) during a week 16 NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. Seattle won 21-12. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle La'el Collins (71) lines up on the line of scrimmage during a week 16 NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. Seattle won 21-12. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett (72) runs around the edge in front of Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle La'el Collins (71) during a week 16 NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. Seattle won 21-12. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle La'el Collins (71) lines up on the line of scrimmage during a week 16 NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. Seattle won 21-12. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
30 December 2017: La'el Collins, Kavon Frazier, Byron Jones
of the Dallas Cowboys during their departure to the game with the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
31 December 2017: La'el Collins (71)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 17 regular season 6-0 win over the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys tackle La'el Collins (71) blocks during the game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, Philadelphia. The Cowboys defeated the Eagles 6-0. (Al Tielemans via AP)
Dallas Cowboys tackle La'el Collins (71) blocks during the game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, Philadelphia. The Cowboys defeated the Eagles 6-0. (Al Tielemans via AP)
Dallas Cowboys tackle La'el Collins (71) blocks during the game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, Philadelphia. The Cowboys defeated the Eagles 6-0. (Al Tielemans via AP)
31 December 2017: La'el Collins (71)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 17 regular season 6-0 win over the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
What's Been Good:
Not only did Collins make the move from guard to right tackle last year, but also came off a toe injury that limited his 2016 season to just three games. Bouncing back from injury and moving positions could lead to some struggles but it wasn't there for Collins, who impressed the Cowboys enough in the offseason that he was given a two-year contract extension. Once the season began, Collins didn't disappoint, showcasing his size and strength on a consistent basis.
What's Been Bad:
There weren't any "bad" moments for Collins. Other than an occasional penalty or allowing a sack, Collins was one of the more consistent players. If there was a downside for him personally, it was dealing with steady injuries throughout each week. However, it was never noticed on the field with his play.
2017 Highlight:
Expanding on the injury front, Collins should be applauded for his ability to not only fight through injury, but Collins never missed an offensive snap. In fact, he was one of just two players (Travis Frederick) to play 100 percent of the offensive plays last season, which is amazing considering there were weeks in which he couldn't even practice in full. Even better than that, Collins didn't play like an injured right tackle, which makes his efforts to get himself ready both physically and mentally even more amazing.
What's Next:
For Collins, the next step is Pro Bowl and All-Pro level. While those individual accomplishments likely won't be announced by Collins and/or the team, ultimately the Cowboys believe Collins has that kind of potential. Let's not forget he was a Pro Bowl alternate at guard during the 2015 season so it's not like he's too far away from that respect from his peers. Collins has the ability to be an elite tackle, despite being surrounded by three perennial Pro Bowl and All-Pro players.
- Give the front office and coaching staff credit for the plan to move La'el Collins from guard to tackle.
- I didn't feel like it was going to be easy to replace Doug Free and his production but Collins executed the transition with little issue.
- To Collins' credit he did fight through some technique adjustments in camp but once the season started he was well on his way to becoming a reliable, confident and consistent performer.
- I only see the arrow going up with Collins here.
- The investment that the organization made over the year at the position with him will continue to pay dividends with him and Zack Martin on that right side.
