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KC Chiefs: La’el Collins Could Have Been A Good Fit

By Mike Norris

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Editor’s note: This was written prior to reports that Collins has signed a three-year deal with the Dallas Cowboys. 

The KC Chiefs have bolstered their offensive line this offseason, but it could still use some help.

Enter La’el Collins.

The former LSU star offensive tackle was slated to be taken in the first round of this year’s NFL Draft before his name was mentioned by police as a “person of interest,” surrounding the death of his alleged ex-girlfriend Brittney Mills, who also was pregnant at the time.

Every team passed on Collins after the incident, leaving him an undrafted free agent.

However, Collins was cleared of any wrongdoing Thursday, and is now turning his interest to signing with a team this year despite reports saying he would sit out the draft.

His agent has denied that he has met with any teams, but multiple media outlets are reporting he has met with the Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins, whom already have three of Collins’ teammates on the roster.

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The former All-SEC tackle would be a great addition to any team talent-wise, the question would be the off-field issue.

It may not be fair, but even though he was cleared in the shooting, it will hang over him like a dark cloud for a while.

One thing for sure is that someone will take a flyer on him. If Ray Rice could possibly play in the NFL again, Collins should be allowed to do the same.

In reality there is no reason Collins shouldn’t be welcomed with open arms. There has been no indication of past troubles for the former Tiger, and his NFL.com draft profile lists his game as comparable to the Pittsburgh Steelers four-time All-Pro center, Maurkice Pouncey.

In other words: He’s good.

It’s possible there could be new evidence in the case, or it’s a sign of future problems for Collins, but neither are likely. If this description from Lance Zeierlein of NFL.com of Collins is true, the Chiefs should do all they can to try and sign him.

"“Has strong hands and will snatch and control less active defenders. He takes defenders for a ride once he’s engaged on the move. Loves to mash and intimidate opponents. Mean player.”"

The 6’4”, 305-pound second-team All-American could provide excellent depth for Kansas City, or even fight for a starting role. The tackle spots right now will most likely be occupied by Donald Stephenson and former first overall pick Eric Fisher.

Stephenson isn’t exactly getting Pro Bowl votes, and is coming of a season in which he was suspend four games for use of PEDs, while Fisher has failed to live up to the hype.

Let’s just say there wouldn’t be many Chiefs’ fans sad to see them on the bench, aside for the fact the team used such a high pick on Fisher.

2015 second-round pick Mitch Morse can play all five offensive line positions, and there are rumblings he could take over for the departed Rodney Hudson at center. However, considering the fact he was drafted at least a round early, no one knows for sure what the team will be getting from him.

Here is a breakdown of Collins by Jason Oppel with Carolina Pro Football.

This was made before the incident with his girlfriend (you’ll here Oppel say he has “zero character concerns,” and he lists him at 320 which is 10-15 pounds higher than he actually is), but it shows you just how dominant he can be in both the run and pass games.

The Chiefs would be lucky to add a guy like Collins to the team, who will not only work on his game on the field, but also on proving he had nothing to do with the unfortunate death of Mills and her unborn child.

Most likely he will be playing with a chip on his shoulder, and whatever team signs him (for significantly much less than he would have made had he been drafted), could end up with the 2015 Bargain of the Year.

Next: Chiefs Worst Five Draft Day Disasters

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