La'el Collins stock just dropped (1 Viewer)

[hagmania]

If all it took was taking a paternity test to get signed, he was an idiot for not getting one right after the murder. Could have been a 1st round pick.

You trolled this thread impressively.

 

[massraider]

If all it took was taking a paternity test to get signed, he was an idiot for not getting one right after the murder. Could have been a 1st round pick.

do you really think you have all the info?

 

[cstu]

If all it took was taking a paternity test to get signed, he was an idiot for not getting one right after the murder. Could have been a 1st round pick.

do you really think you have all the info?

Of course not, but this whole string of events has been ridiculous for an innocent man.

 

[LarryAllen'sJockstrap]

From Collins standpoint, why do you do this? Cowboys starting 5 are pretty freaking good aren't they? As far as playing time goes he'll probably hardly get any. But maybe he beats out Leary or something.

It was just two years ago, folks were ready to cut Doug Free. He rebounded last year and that chatter quieted down a bit. Leary is a decent player, but nowhere close to Smith/Fredrick/Martin.Even if he doesn't beat out Free/Leary, having a high quality 6th/7th lineman is a valuable commodity. It's rare the same starters from week one make it a full season together.

 

[Bigboy10182000]

Another huge botch by the NFL on this one IMO. A team just got a free top 10 pick for basically no financial risk, without having to use a pick. Given the circumstances, he should have gone into the supplemental draft both to be fair to him, and to be fair to the other 31 teams that didnt get a free top 10 pick out of this mess.

ETA - Before someone else says it...I know a team could have spent a late pick on him, but given all the risk associated with that (him being guilty, him refusing to sign as he stated, PR nightmare, etc) I can understand the reluctancy to do so. Even if one had, it woudl have still been a botch job, as a team would have gotten a top 10 pick for a 7th round pick.

After what has happened with Rice, Peterson, Hernandez, and Hardy to some extent if you used even a 7th rd pick on the guy it isn't a smart play. No one was touching him. Worked out in Dallas' favor.

I'd have to look but Joe Banner went into some pretty great detail about how it would have been the way to go. I'm paraphrasing but I believe by drafting him he couldn't go back into the draft because he was already told he couldn't by the Union. He would also lose a year before hitting FA if he did go back into the draft. He was emphatic that some team should have taken him and simply cut him if he was involved with pretty much no reprecussions

This is his fastest way to get to the money. Banner isn't taking into account the mess of a situation.

This was the fastest way to guaranteed money. Because of the deal Collin would have to sign as a late pick he would hit FA faster...Jerry matched that and guaranteed all the money. Someone should have just picked him and called his bluff. The kid had no cards to play if a team picked him

 

[hagmania]

If all it took was taking a paternity test to get signed, he was an idiot for not getting one right after the murder. Could have been a 1st round pick.

do you really think you have all the info?

Of course not, but this whole string of events has been ridiculous for an innocent man.

Your string of posts have been ridiculous for an innocent man.

 

[hagmania]

And I'm not saying he's 100% innocent. Just until proven guilty.

 

[Bri]

From Collins standpoint, why do you do this? Cowboys starting 5 are pretty freaking good aren't they? As far as playing time goes he'll probably hardly get any. But maybe he beats out Leary or something.

It was just two years ago, folks were ready to cut Doug Free. He rebounded last year and that chatter quieted down a bit. Leary is a decent player, but nowhere close to Smith/Fredrick/Martin.Even if he doesn't beat out Free/Leary, having a high quality 6th/7th lineman is a valuable commodity. It's rare the same starters from week one make it a full season together.

Shouldn't they have a good OL coach though?

 

[Faust]

Smart move on Collins part. Hone your craft under the tutelage of one of the top offensive lines in the NFL. Minimize wear and tear on your body by being part of an offensive line rotation so that you can get to your second contract as healthy as possible.

 

[Bri]

Smart move on Collins part. Hone your craft under the tutelage of one of the top offensive lines in the NFL. Minimize wear and tear on your body by being part of an offensive line rotation so that you can get to your second contract as healthy as possible.

But their coach went to Washington and they didn't really replace him with a name guy

 

[RUSF18]

If drafted this year, he could have refused to sign and be drafted again next year. If undrafted, he could not reenter the draft in any other season.

If accurate (I am sure it is), then he was undraftable this year. Given the incredible extenuating circumstances here, the only fair resolution was to put him in the supplemental draft, as he requested. If innocent, this BS cost him millions of dollars that he deserved due to his NCAA performance, and it also provided a very unfair advantage to one of 32 teams. NFL was way too rigid on this IMO, and in the end, it created a lose-lose scenario for everyone involved, except the Dallas Cowboys, who basically got a free (financially and as an extra pick) top 10 pick.

So do you think the NFL should only allow players to pull out of the regular draft and enter the supplemental if they have been asked to speak with law enforcement about a murder a week before the draft? What about two weeks? What about for just manslaughter or getting popped with a hooker? What solution do you propose that won't result in the NFL getting waiver requests from the 22 or however many players who declared early and went undrafted?

 

[davearm]

If drafted this year, he could have refused to sign and be drafted again next year. If undrafted, he could not reenter the draft in any other season.

If accurate (I am sure it is), then he was undraftable this year. Given the incredible extenuating circumstances here, the only fair resolution was to put him in the supplemental draft, as he requested. If innocent, this BS cost him millions of dollars that he deserved due to his NCAA performance, and it also provided a very unfair advantage to one of 32 teams. NFL was way too rigid on this IMO, and in the end, it created a lose-lose scenario for everyone involved, except the Dallas Cowboys, who basically got a free (financially and as an extra pick) top 10 pick.

So do you think the NFL should only allow players to pull out of the regular draft and enter the supplemental if they have been asked to speak with law enforcement about a murder a week before the draft? What about two weeks? What about for just manslaughter or getting popped with a hooker? What solution do you propose that won't result in the NFL getting waiver requests from the 22 or however many players who declared early and went undrafted?

Collins requested to be moved out of the draft and into the supplemental draft before things got started Thursday night. Goodell refused the request.

 

[ChuckLiddell]

If drafted this year, he could have refused to sign and be drafted again next year. If undrafted, he could not reenter the draft in any other season.

If accurate (I am sure it is), then he was undraftable this year. Given the incredible extenuating circumstances here, the only fair resolution was to put him in the supplemental draft, as he requested. If innocent, this BS cost him millions of dollars that he deserved due to his NCAA performance, and it also provided a very unfair advantage to one of 32 teams. NFL was way too rigid on this IMO, and in the end, it created a lose-lose scenario for everyone involved, except the Dallas Cowboys, who basically got a free (financially and as an extra pick) top 10 pick.

So do you think the NFL should only allow players to pull out of the regular draft and enter the supplemental if they have been asked to speak with law enforcement about a murder a week before the draft? What about two weeks? What about for just manslaughter or getting popped with a hooker? What solution do you propose that won't result in the NFL getting waiver requests from the 22 or however many players who declared early and went undrafted?

Just use common sense. Thats all I am saying. This was an extreme situation. One that I dont think they have to worry about happening ever again.

Think about it from his perspective (assuming innocence, of course). A crime is committed that he is in no way responsible for other than having slept with the victim at some point, yet because of the timing of the incident he loses out on tens of millions of dollars. How is that fair? How is it fair to the rest of the NFL that Dallas just got a top 10 pick basically for free?

If there has ever been a situation that resembled this before to the point where it would concern you that it could happen on a frequent basis, I would love to hear some more about that. Common sense says this is an extremely rare occurrence when something like this happens so close to the draft where his name cannot be cleared, but he is not actually a suspect. You get popped with a hooker, then you are a suspect. Thats very different. If you are suspected of manslaughter, thats also quite different. He was NOT A SUSPECT! Your analogies are not applicable.

Just use common sense.

 

[RUSF18]

If drafted this year, he could have refused to sign and be drafted again next year. If undrafted, he could not reenter the draft in any other season.

If accurate (I am sure it is), then he was undraftable this year. Given the incredible extenuating circumstances here, the only fair resolution was to put him in the supplemental draft, as he requested. If innocent, this BS cost him millions of dollars that he deserved due to his NCAA performance, and it also provided a very unfair advantage to one of 32 teams. NFL was way too rigid on this IMO, and in the end, it created a lose-lose scenario for everyone involved, except the Dallas Cowboys, who basically got a free (financially and as an extra pick) top 10 pick.

So do you think the NFL should only allow players to pull out of the regular draft and enter the supplemental if they have been asked to speak with law enforcement about a murder a week before the draft? What about two weeks? What about for just manslaughter or getting popped with a hooker? What solution do you propose that won't result in the NFL getting waiver requests from the 22 or however many players who declared early and went undrafted?

Collins requested to be moved out of the draft and into the supplemental draft before things got started Thursday night. Goodell refused the request.

Because there is a process in place for being eligible for the draft and when you are eligible for the supp draft. The league followed their process. I'm willing to bet a solid majority of those 22 players had an idea they wouldn't be drafted in the top 3 rounds somewhere in the last few weeks as they realized whatever high hopes they had for their prospects weren't going to materialize.

It's amazing how when the NFL goes off book, they get criticized. When they follow their own processes and don't deviate, they get criticized. Here they should have gone off book for a guy who could have very well ended up being named a suspect in a murder. Great idea!

 

[davearm]

Your post suggested there were players that went undrafted that then wanted to go into the supplemental draft.

This isn't Collins' situation, is my point.

 

[ChuckLiddell]

If drafted this year, he could have refused to sign and be drafted again next year. If undrafted, he could not reenter the draft in any other season.

If accurate (I am sure it is), then he was undraftable this year. Given the incredible extenuating circumstances here, the only fair resolution was to put him in the supplemental draft, as he requested. If innocent, this BS cost him millions of dollars that he deserved due to his NCAA performance, and it also provided a very unfair advantage to one of 32 teams. NFL was way too rigid on this IMO, and in the end, it created a lose-lose scenario for everyone involved, except the Dallas Cowboys, who basically got a free (financially and as an extra pick) top 10 pick.

So do you think the NFL should only allow players to pull out of the regular draft and enter the supplemental if they have been asked to speak with law enforcement about a murder a week before the draft? What about two weeks? What about for just manslaughter or getting popped with a hooker? What solution do you propose that won't result in the NFL getting waiver requests from the 22 or however many players who declared early and went undrafted?

Collins requested to be moved out of the draft and into the supplemental draft before things got started Thursday night. Goodell refused the request.

Because there is a process in place for being eligible for the draft and when you are eligible for the supp draft. The league followed their process. I'm willing to bet a solid majority of those 22 players had an idea they wouldn't be drafted in the top 3 rounds somewhere in the last few weeks as they realized whatever high hopes they had for their prospects weren't going to materialize.

It's amazing how when the NFL goes off book, they get criticized. When they follow their own processes and don't deviate, they get criticized. Here they should have gone off book for a guy who could have very well ended up being named a suspect in a murder. Great idea!

If he were named a suspect, I doubt a team would have given up a pick for him in the supplemental draft. It was in fact a great idea given the situation, which obviously was unique. Pretty fool-proof. If he gets vindicated, he gets drafted, likely in the first 2 rounds. If formally accused, he goes undrafted and possibly to prison. Either way, the best case scenario given the situation.

As it turns out, he isnt even the child's father. If you need to go off book to accomplish the only fair resolution, I dont understand why anyone would criticize that. I understand your position that a rule is a rule, I just disagree with remaining so rigid in such a unique situation. If you are just going to go by the book, why pay Goodell a gazillion dollars? Every decision is already predetermined by what the book says. He gets paid the big bucks to make the tough decisions. He screwed this one up IMO, and it resulted in a kid losing millions of dollars that he deserved, and 31 teams seeing one other team get an unfair edge.

Nothing against Dallas for the record, even though it may sound like it. They played it perfectly.

 

[massraider]

If all it took was taking a paternity test to get signed, he was an idiot for not getting one right after the murder. Could have been a 1st round pick.

do you really think you have all the info?

Of course not, but this whole string of events has been ridiculous for an innocent man.

No it really hasn't. Look at your latest absurd assumption:

"If all it took was...."

Who said the paternity test solved anything? Or that's all it took?

No one. But you now use that assumption to make your next leap to suspicious behavior.

Local TV news with its sensationalistic scare tactics caters to people just like you. Congrats to being the lowest common denominator.

 

[pghrob]

If drafted this year, he could have refused to sign and be drafted again next year. If undrafted, he could not reenter the draft in any other season.

If accurate (I am sure it is), then he was undraftable this year. Given the incredible extenuating circumstances here, the only fair resolution was to put him in the supplemental draft, as he requested. If innocent, this BS cost him millions of dollars that he deserved due to his NCAA performance, and it also provided a very unfair advantage to one of 32 teams. NFL was way too rigid on this IMO, and in the end, it created a lose-lose scenario for everyone involved, except the Dallas Cowboys, who basically got a free (financially and as an extra pick) top 10 pick.

So do you think the NFL should only allow players to pull out of the regular draft and enter the supplemental if they have been asked to speak with law enforcement about a murder a week before the draft? What about two weeks? What about for just manslaughter or getting popped with a hooker? What solution do you propose that won't result in the NFL getting waiver requests from the 22 or however many players who declared early and went undrafted?

Just use common sense. Thats all I am saying. This was an extreme situation. One that I dont think they have to worry about happening ever again. Think about it from his perspective (assuming innocence, of course). A crime is committed that he is in no way responsible for other than having slept with the victim at some point, yet because of the timing of the incident he loses out on tens of millions of dollars. How is that fair? How is it fair to the rest of the NFL that Dallas just got a top 10 pick basically for free?

If there has ever been a situation that resembled this before to the point where it would concern you that it could happen on a frequent basis, I would love to hear some more about that. Common sense says this is an extremely rare occurrence when something like this happens so close to the draft where his name cannot be cleared, but he is not actually a suspect. You get popped with a hooker, then you are a suspect. Thats very different. If you are suspected of manslaughter, thats also quite different. He was NOT A SUSPECT! Your analogies are not applicable.

Just use common sense.

If ever there was a need for commissioner intervention to fix an issue to protect integrity of the league, this one fits the bill.

 

[Bob Magaw]

@AlbertBreer: Per source, La'el Collins' 3-year deal is worth about $1.7 million. It's fully guaranteed, which is believed to be unprecedented for a UDFA.

And he can negotiate a new deal after 2 years.

Maybe a nudge nudge, wink wink deal, and he promises to make him whole in 2017?If he doesn't start immediately, he has the talent to at G or even ahead of Free in not too long, imo.

 

[jurb26]

Wow, rich get richer here. Collins can flat out play. He's a mauler and a capable starter at RT or either G spot IMO.

 

[Bob Magaw]

If all it took was taking a paternity test to get signed, he was an idiot for not getting one right after the murder. Could have been a 1st round pick.

Hindsight is 20/20.

First of all, do we know he is out of the woods? If he is later charged, a possibility is he never plays a down for DAL (I don't think this is likely, but could be a possibility).

Secondly, horrific timing that everything go jammed up at the same time, we don't know Collins would have been cleared or that the paternity test was the only possible factor AT THE TIME OF THE DRAFT (THINKING he was father could comprise possible motive?).

And how could he have known, when nobody knew as of Thursday afternoon, that he would fall all the way out of the draft?

* I'm not sure we have any way of knowing if he thought he COULD have been the father, he could have been in a position to know based on timing, maybe was hoping to deal with it after the draft (if he thought there was a chance he was?).

 

[Bob Magaw]

Wow, rich get richer here. Collins can flat out play. He's a mauler and a capable starter at RT or either G spot IMO.

Best OL in football just got better.

Tyron Smith was I think best LT from his class, Frederick best C from his, Martin first OL to make All-Pro as a rookie in 70 years. Many scouts thought Scherff and Collins were the best overall OL in class (at RT or guard), they were comparable prospects, and Scherff went #5 overall.

 

[Bob Magaw]

From Collins standpoint, why do you do this? Cowboys starting 5 are pretty freaking good aren't they? As far as playing time goes he'll probably hardly get any. But maybe he beats out Leary or something.

It was just two years ago, folks were ready to cut Doug Free. He rebounded last year and that chatter quieted down a bit. Leary is a decent player, but nowhere close to Smith/Fredrick/Martin.Even if he doesn't beat out Free/Leary, having a high quality 6th/7th lineman is a valuable commodity. It's rare the same starters from week one make it a full season together.

I think he has the talent to start at RT eventually (very possible Jones sold him on being able to, since Collins expressed a preference to play OT).But even if he is one of the most talented swing tackles in the league with the athletic versatility and positional flexibility to start or be primary backup at guard, too, than Jones is still stealing from the rest of the league (I mean that respectfully and affectionately).

* As to the polarizing point elsewhere, that a sup draft exception would have been fairest to all parties concerned, that could cause problems in both directions, create potential liability issue in the past, and set a bad precedent and create the condition for later problems, potentially putting themselves in the middle of getting sued both over past drafts and ones to come.

No matter how extreme the circumstances, almost impossible to change the rules for just one person, it could open too many other cans of worms.

 

[Max Power]

Wow, rich get richer here. Collins can flat out play. He's a mauler and a capable starter at RT or either G spot IMO.

Best OL in football just got better.

Tyron Smith was I think best LT from his class, Frederick best C from his, Martin first OL to make All-Pro as a rookie in 70 years. Many scouts thought Scherff and Collins were the best overall OL in class (at RT or guard), they were comparable prospects, and Scherff went #5 overall.

Skins and NYG have to be happy about this. Both took OL in the top 10 and the Boys get a comparable prospect for free.

Another issue for Goodell to "deal" with.

 

[Han Solo]

Did Collins have any off field issues before the untimely death of the girlfriend and baby?

 

[SIDA!]

I am admittedly being lazy and don't want to research it nor look through the pages in this thread. Can someone answer the following questions:

1. Assuming he went in say the 15th slot of the first round, what would he have realistically signed for.

2. Assuming he did not sign with a team this year and what not, at what point, if at all, would he have become an unrestricted free agent and be able to sign with anyone for any negotiated sum?

3. What if he would have signed with the CFL for one year? Would he be able to return the next season as an unrestricted free agent?

4. Is it just a quirk in the collective bargaining agreement that an undrafted player is limited to X amount of money? What is the rationale for this? In my mind, I would think that any player that was eligible for the draft and wasn't drafted should simply be a free agent and free to sign with anyone they want.

5. I am assuming that he had to sign a three year minimum deal per the agreement?

Thanks for the clarification.

 

[menobrown]

I keep reading people praise Dallas for basically getting 3 first round picks but conceding they are taking a giant risk on the players. That's nonsense.

The only at-risk player out of those 3 is Gregory. Collins is not a risk. He's not the father, he's not a suspect, he's not a person of interest, he's not getting charged.

Incredible signing by Dallas and things won't be so bad for Collins assuming he stays healthy and plays well he'll make more money in 4 years then if he went as last pick in first round.

 

[Anarchy99]

I am admittedly being lazy and don't want to research it nor look through the pages in this thread. Can someone answer the following questions:

1. Assuming he went in say the 15th slot of the first round, what would he have realistically signed for.

2. Assuming he did not sign with a team this year and what not, at what point, if at all, would he have become an unrestricted free agent and be able to sign with anyone for any negotiated sum?

3. What if he would have signed with the CFL for one year? Would he be able to return the next season as an unrestricted free agent?

4. Is it just a quirk in the collective bargaining agreement that an undrafted player is limited to X amount of money? What is the rationale for this? In my mind, I would think that any player that was eligible for the draft and wasn't drafted should simply be a free agent and free to sign with anyone they want.

5. I am assuming that he had to sign a three year minimum deal per the agreement?

Thanks for the clarification.

2. Never. He would stay an UDFA and the most he could sign for is what he just signed for.

3. Players have to sign in CFL for two seasons. After that, he would be in the same place. An UDFA that could only get what he got now.

4. The rationale is that there is a system and a wage scale because over 200 players get drafted. Highly regarded players should have been drafted.

5. Signed a three year deal but can sign an extension after two. Long term he won't make that much less money. Apparently the three year deal is similar per year to to second round picks. Just really low signing bonus instead. Getting an extension earlier will get him a second contract earlier.

 

[Rimez]

That was fast, didnt even listen to other teams... JJ must be passing checks or hookers under the table.

Snyder and mara have to be super pissed after using top 10 picks while the cowboys gets theirs for free.

 

[metoo]

That was fast, didnt even listen to other teams... JJ must be passing checks or hookers under the table.

Snyder and mara have to be super pissed after using top 10 picks while the cowboys gets theirs for free.

Why would he? No one could offer him more and looks like this was the team he liked.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

I really wish the Saints had picked him anywhere in the 5th-7th, lord they need a guard like him, but then it's hard to believe that every single team passed, even as Mr. Irrelevant.

 

[Rimez]

That was fast, didnt even listen to other teams... JJ must be passing checks or hookers under the table.

Snyder and mara have to be super pissed after using top 10 picks while the cowboys gets theirs for free.

Why would he? No one could offer him more and looks like this was the team he liked.

He wanted a starting gig, he is not starting at tackle for the cowboys and prob wont even start at guard, while he could have easily been a LT on other teams and looking forward to a huge payday if he did well. Now he is going to be a backup on a team full of stars that lost its OL coach, and looking at guard money when his contract is up. Smart move is go where youre really needed, not where you are expendable. Married the first girl he danced with and she isnt even pretty when the makeup comes off.

 

[metoo]

That was fast, didnt even listen to other teams... JJ must be passing checks or hookers under the table.

Snyder and mara have to be super pissed after using top 10 picks while the cowboys gets theirs for free.

Why would he? No one could offer him more and looks like this was the team he liked.

He wanted a starting gig, he is not starting at tackle for the cowboys and prob wont even start at guard, while he could have easily been a LT on other teams and looking forward to a huge payday if he did well. Now he is going to be a backup on a team full of stars that lost its OL coach, and looking at guard money when his contract is up. Smart move is go where youre really needed, not where you are expendable. Married the first girl he danced with and she isnt even pretty when the makeup comes off.

LOL!

 

[cstu]

That was fast, didnt even listen to other teams... JJ must be passing checks or hookers under the table.

Snyder and mara have to be super pissed after using top 10 picks while the cowboys gets theirs for free.

Why would he? No one could offer him more and looks like this was the team he liked.

He wanted a starting gig, he is not starting at tackle for the cowboys and prob wont even start at guard, while he could have easily been a LT on other teams and looking forward to a huge payday if he did well. Now he is going to be a backup on a team full of stars that lost its OL coach, and looking at guard money when his contract is up. Smart move is go where youre really needed, not where you are expendable. Married the first girl he danced with and she isnt even pretty when the makeup comes off.

You seem like a jealous Redskins fan.

O-linemen get hurt all the time and he could have an opportunity this year.

Even in the unlikely event he doesn't play for 3 years he'll be a highly sought after free agent. RT Jermey Parnell got a 5 year/$32M deal from the Jags and he started a total of 7 games in 4 years with the Cowboys.

 

[menobrown]

That was fast, didnt even listen to other teams... JJ must be passing checks or hookers under the table.

Snyder and mara have to be super pissed after using top 10 picks while the cowboys gets theirs for free.

Why would he? No one could offer him more and looks like this was the team he liked.

He wanted a starting gig, he is not starting at tackle for the cowboys and prob wont even start at guard, while he could have easily been a LT on other teams and looking forward to a huge payday if he did well. Now he is going to be a backup on a team full of stars that lost its OL coach, and looking at guard money when his contract is up. Smart move is go where youre really needed, not where you are expendable. Married the first girl he danced with and she isnt even pretty when the makeup comes off.

He made a great choice.

He's got a great chance to start at guard from day one and when Free leaves move over to tackle. By the time he's a FA he'll likely have been an OT for two years and he'll be getting paid like an OT when his contract is up.

In the meantime he gets to surround himself with incredible talent to not only learn from but I think when you have that kind of supporting cast on the OL with you it makes our job easier.

Lastly his contract was maxed but avoiding state income tax makes signing in Texas more profitable than most teams.

 

[cstu]

From Collins standpoint, why do you do this? Cowboys starting 5 are pretty freaking good aren't they? As far as playing time goes he'll probably hardly get any. But maybe he beats out Leary or something.

It was just two years ago, folks were ready to cut Doug Free. He rebounded last year and that chatter quieted down a bit. Leary is a decent player, but nowhere close to Smith/Fredrick/Martin.Even if he doesn't beat out Free/Leary, having a high quality 6th/7th lineman is a valuable commodity. It's rare the same starters from week one make it a full season together.

I think he has the talent to start at RT eventually (very possible Jones sold him on being able to, since Collins expressed a preference to play OT).But even if he is one of the most talented swing tackles in the league with the athletic versatility and positional flexibility to start or be primary backup at guard, too, than Jones is still stealing from the rest of the league (I mean that respectfully and affectionately).

* As to the polarizing point elsewhere, that a sup draft exception would have been fairest to all parties concerned, that could cause problems in both directions, create potential liability issue in the past, and set a bad precedent and create the condition for later problems, potentially putting themselves in the middle of getting sued both over past drafts and ones to come.

No matter how extreme the circumstances, almost impossible to change the rules for just one person, it could open too many other cans of worms.

If all it took was taking a paternity test to get signed, he was an idiot for not getting one right after the murder. Could have been a 1st round pick.

Hindsight is 20/20.

First of all, do we know he is out of the woods? If he is later charged, a possibility is he never plays a down for DAL (I don't think this is likely, but could be a possibility).

Secondly, horrific timing that everything go jammed up at the same time, we don't know Collins would have been cleared or that the paternity test was the only possible factor AT THE TIME OF THE DRAFT (THINKING he was father could comprise possible motive?).

And how could he have known, when nobody knew as of Thursday afternoon, that he would fall all the way out of the draft?

* I'm not sure we have any way of knowing if he thought he COULD have been the father, he could have been in a position to know based on timing, maybe was hoping to deal with it after the draft (if he thought there was a chance he was?).

No, he's not out of the woods yet since he hasn't been officially cleared.

When the Cowboys signed offensive lineman La’El Collins on Thursday, many assumed that the decision came only after police in Baton Rouge officially cleared him in connection with a double-murder investigation. Per a source with knowledge of the situation, that hasn’t happened — and it may never happen.

It doesn’t mean Collins is or ever will be a suspect. It means that police aren’t inclined to paint themselves into a corner by committing to a conclusion that, in theory, further evidence could contradict.

BTW, I said at the beginning of this thread he wouldn't be drafted.

 

[Tau837]

He made a great choice.

He's got a great chance to start at guard from day one and when Free leaves move over to tackle. By the time he's a FA he'll likely have been an OT for two years and he'll be getting paid like an OT when his contract is up.

In the meantime he gets to surround himself with incredible talent to not only learn from but I think when you have that kind of supporting cast on the OL with you it makes our job easier.

Lastly his contract was maxed but avoiding state income tax makes signing in Texas more profitable than most teams.

 

[Donnybrook]

Incredible signing by Dallas and things won't be so bad for Collins assuming he stays healthy and plays well he'll make more money in 4 years then if he went as last pick in first round.

Agree with the first part but the second part makes no sense whatsoever. No matter how you slice it the kid lost a boatload of money.

 

[thayman]

That was fast, didnt even listen to other teams... JJ must be passing checks or hookers under the table.

Snyder and mara have to be super pissed after using top 10 picks while the cowboys gets theirs for free.

Why would he? No one could offer him more and looks like this was the team he liked.

He wanted a starting gig, he is not starting at tackle for the cowboys and prob wont even start at guard, while he could have easily been a LT on other teams and looking forward to a huge payday if he did well. Now he is going to be a backup on a team full of stars that lost its OL coach, and looking at guard money when his contract is up. Smart move is go where youre really needed, not where you are expendable. Married the first girl he danced with and she isnt even pretty when the makeup comes off.

It's a good move for the Cowboys. I'm sure Mara will get something passed to penalize The Cowboys in someway.

 

[Donnybrook]

They should post this in the Dallas locker room: http://www.theawsc.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/misfittoys-600x400.jpg

 

[Chaos Commish]

Dallas' run blocking was very very good last year, arguably the league's best but not hands down. Pass protection wasn't as good but it was vastly improved. Romo took 29 sacks in far far less attempts than several qbs taking less sacks. The weak link was the guard rotation of Leary and Bernadeau. The latter being a pancake machine run blocking but struggling in pass pro. The former being the starter and weak link. At RT, according to PFF watching every player every down, Parnell who started 7 games and two playoff games outplayed Free, the incumbent. There is opprotunity for Collins to start right now. I think he's probably better than Leary and potentially better than Free if he develops some lateral pass pro technique. The lack of which is why teams like SD and NO are adamant that Collins is a guard.

 

[Faust]

La'el Collins: 'I wanted to be a Dallas Cowboy'

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said La'El Collins will "have an opportunity" to play both guard and tackle.

Garrett added "We’re going to play our five best offensive linemen." Starting Collins at left guard is the most likely scenario, though he could also see time at right tackle while Doug Free recovers from foot surgery. If Ronald Leary gets ousted at left guard, he could backup Collins and Free with Mackenzy Bernadeau shifting his attention to center. It may seem like a lot of moving parts, but Dallas only stands to benefit from having a deep offensive line.

Related: Doug Free, Ronald Leary

Source: ESPN.com
May 7 - 8:17 PM

 

[Faust]

La'el Collins: Cowboys will have 'best offensive line in NFL history'

 

[Bob Magaw]

From Collins standpoint, why do you do this? Cowboys starting 5 are pretty freaking good aren't they? As far as playing time goes he'll probably hardly get any. But maybe he beats out Leary or something.

It was just two years ago, folks were ready to cut Doug Free. He rebounded last year and that chatter quieted down a bit. Leary is a decent player, but nowhere close to Smith/Fredrick/Martin.Even if he doesn't beat out Free/Leary, having a high quality 6th/7th lineman is a valuable commodity. It's rare the same starters from week one make it a full season together.

I think he has the talent to start at RT eventually (very possible Jones sold him on being able to, since Collins expressed a preference to play OT).But even if he is one of the most talented swing tackles in the league with the athletic versatility and positional flexibility to start or be primary backup at guard, too, than Jones is still stealing from the rest of the league (I mean that respectfully and affectionately).

* As to the polarizing point elsewhere, that a sup draft exception would have been fairest to all parties concerned, that could cause problems in both directions, create potential liability issue in the past, and set a bad precedent and create the condition for later problems, potentially putting themselves in the middle of getting sued both over past drafts and ones to come.

No matter how extreme the circumstances, almost impossible to change the rules for just one person, it could open too many other cans of worms.

If all it took was taking a paternity test to get signed, he was an idiot for not getting one right after the murder. Could have been a 1st round pick.

Hindsight is 20/20.

First of all, do we know he is out of the woods? If he is later charged, a possibility is he never plays a down for DAL (I don't think this is likely, but could be a possibility).

Secondly, horrific timing that everything go jammed up at the same time, we don't know Collins would have been cleared or that the paternity test was the only possible factor AT THE TIME OF THE DRAFT (THINKING he was father could comprise possible motive?).

And how could he have known, when nobody knew as of Thursday afternoon, that he would fall all the way out of the draft?

* I'm not sure we have any way of knowing if he thought he COULD have been the father, he could have been in a position to know based on timing, maybe was hoping to deal with it after the draft (if he thought there was a chance he was?).

No, he's not out of the woods yet since he hasn't been officially cleared.

When the Cowboys signed offensive lineman La’El Collins on Thursday, many assumed that the decision came only after police in Baton Rouge officially cleared him in connection with a double-murder investigation. Per a source with knowledge of the situation, that hasn’t happened — and it may never happen.

It doesn’t mean Collins is or ever will be a suspect. It means that police aren’t inclined to paint themselves into a corner by committing to a conclusion that, in theory, further evidence could contradict.

BTW, I said at the beginning of this thread he wouldn't be drafted.

Far from the consensus, though (most don't think hiring a lawyer is tantamount to admitting guilt). Everybody is entitled to their opinion, but hard to fault him for not employing extreme outlier thinking.

 

[menobrown]

Incredible signing by Dallas and things won't be so bad for Collins assuming he stays healthy and plays well he'll make more money in 4 years then if he went as last pick in first round.

Agree with the first part but the second part makes no sense whatsoever. No matter how you slice it the kid lost a boatload of money.

Second part is not me saying this entire thing did not cost him money, for sure he makes more as an early to late first round pick. I'm just saying all things being equal he pulled out a decent contract, for sure better than a day three pick. Depending on what you read his contract guaranteed him money on par with a second round pick and in the first 4 years of the deal will allow him to make what a player picked in the late first or early second would make. (Again, depending on what you read, some things I've seen indicate he can make more than a late first in first 4 years while some places like Overthecap.com say his contract value should fall in line somewhere along pick #49, assuming he gets tendered in year 4.)

So when I said the contract won't be so bad for Collins it's all relative. It's worse than it could had he been able to be a first round pick but all in all he pulled out a decent deal given the circumstances.

 

[Max Power]

I think La'el's situation did good things for middle round picks going forward. The NFL/PBA has to get money right going forward.

 

[Bob Magaw]

Unusual skill set - not many college OL have such a complete, well rounded game (the below highlights strengths in pass protection AND the run game).

"LSU OL La'El Collins tied for first in College Football Focus* pass-blocking efficiency metric.

"He shared the honor with Northern Illinois' Ryan Brown. You know that we love Collins and rank him as the No. 1 offensive lineman in the class, believing he can stick at left tackle. Here's the numbers to back up the assertion: Collins allowed no sacks, zero hits and only four hurries on 312 pass-blocking plays. Remember that on draft day when it is suggested Collins could struggle with pass pro in the NFL." 4-23-15
http://www.rotoworld.com/recent/cfb/132727/lael-collins

Three pancake block run play (VIDEO)

https://twitter.com/olinescout/status/584712237522231296

* More detail from the source of the Roto-blurb

https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2015/04/21/cff-player-profile-lael-collins-ot/

 

[Raider Nation]

I'll bet the Pokes wish they had kept Murray now. Work with me here. Collins as an extra tackle with Witten on the other end of the 7-man line. Dez out wide by himself and a wrecking-ball John Conner type of old-school FB in front of Murray. My God... they would never be stopped.

 

[lod01]

If I was a GM I would have used a 7th on him simply because how often does a 7th rounder even do something. Teams really over rate their 6th and 7th rd. draft picks.

I really should be an NFL GM the way these bozos miss the boat so often.

And if you burned your 7th round pick and he refused to sign and became a first round pick for another team next year, then what?

Easy answer. He wasn't eligible for the 2016 draft. All I was doing was gambling on a 7th round pick. A hack, a lotto ticket. However this lotto ticket had 1st round talent. Everyone else's lotto ticket is projected 7th round talent and a lot of them don't even make the team. It was the correct move and 32 GMs failed because they think their 7th rounder will magically become Tom Brady.