Dallas Cowboys: 5 Questions remaining heading into training camp

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Jun 13, 2017; Frisco, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys guard La’el Collins (71) with tackle Tyron Smith (77) during minicamp at The Star at Cowboys World Headquarters. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

3. How will the Cowboys protect at right tackle?

This will be a very interesting training camp issue for the Cowboys next month and one all fans of “America’s Team” should really keep an eye on. Keeping the offensive line a well-oiled machine, so to speak, is of vast importance for the Cowboys — especially if they want running back Ezekiel Elliott on the same pace as his record-breaking rookie season.

There could be a couple different ways the Cowboys go about this, but right now it seems like La’el Collins could be the new right tackle to replace Free, moving Collins from guard. That works if Jonathan Cooper or Chaz Green can stay healthy at left guard, but the Cowboys also have Byron Bell, who also play the right tackle spot too.

Though it is never fun replacing a lineman from a unit as good as the Cowboys have had the past few seasons (they allowed only 28 sacks in 2016), the Cowboys were prepared and have the proper players to fill right into the spot vacated by Free’s retirement. There could be a battle for the right tackle spot, but it will be Collins’ to lose if he can work his way up to the position he has collegiate experience at.

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