Cincinnati Bengals 3 best offseason additions in 2022

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 26: La"u2019el Collins #71 of the Dallas Cowboys looks to the sidelines during a game against the Washington Football Team at AT&T Stadium on December 26, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys defeated the Football Team 56-14. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 10: La’el Collins #71 of the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on November 10, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Cincinnati Bengals top offseason pickup: T La’el Collins (Released by Dallas Cowboys)

It goes without saying that offensive line play is so much more than just keeping your quarterback out of harm’s way. The ground game remains an important aspect of the game of football even though the NFL is more pass-happy these days.

Being able to dominate the line of scrimmage is vital. Keeping that opponent off the field late in the game and protecting the lead is vital in a league these days where there are so many close games.

The Dallas Cowboys won the NFC East in 2021 but couldn’t keep right tackle La’el Collins and he was released by the club this offseason. And Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals wound up scooping up the prize. Via Pro Football Focus, the former undrafted free agent was the site’s 15-ranked tackle in 2021.

But perhaps the most notable aspect of his grade is his prowess as a run blocker (89.7). Only San Francisco’s Trent Williams (97.7) and former teammate Tyron Smith (90.0) earned higher grades when it came to supporting the ground game.

All told, 2021 proved to be a big year for Collins. He missed all of the previous year with a hip issue. He rebounded to make 10 starts this past season and was in the opening lineup in the playoffs vs. the 49ers.

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