Dallas Cowboys

Rookie La'el Collins gets first reps for Cowboys at right tackle

Published May. 28, 2015 3:44 p.m. ET

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When undrafted free agent La'el Collins signed with the Dallas Cowboys, he was under the impression that his clearest path to playing time would come at offensive guard. That may still be the case, but guard will not be the first position that he attempts to nail down. When the Cowboys opened up their three day OTA session on Wednesday, Collins stepped in at right tackle in place of injured starter Doug Free.

After playing on the left side for his entire collegiate career at LSU, both at left tackle and left guard, the right tackle position is something new for Collins.

"It's definitely a new position for me, so a new challenge," Collins said, per the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "I have to go out each and every day and focus on the small things -- my technique, my assignments. It's been a great two days for the OTAs."

The Cowboys expect Free back for training camp, and at that point, Collins will likely slide back to left guard where he will compete with Ronald Leary for a starting spot. Collins was Pro Football Focus' top rated NCAA pass and run blocker in 2014. If he can win the job, the Cowboys offensive line stands to be even stronger in 2015.

(h/t NFL)

Photo Credit: Brian Spurlock/USA TODAY Sports