Cowboys' La'el Collins lining up at right tackle in OTAs

La'el Collins is getting an opportunity to show what he can do on the right side of the Dallas Cowboys' offensive line at OTAs this week.

With Doug Free sitting out practices as he continues to work his way back from offseason ankle surgery, Collins is seeing time at Free's right tackle spot, according to Charean Williams of the Star-Telegram.

"It’s definitely a new position for me, so a new challenge," Collins said. "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."

Collins excelled at left tackle toward the end of his impressive collegiate career at LSU, but with Tyron Smith entrenched as the long-term starter on that side, his long-term fit projects to be elsewhere on the offensive front.

Though his logical starting spot as a rookie would be at left guard, the Cowboys opting to have him work at right tackle this early in the offseason indicates a potential opportunity for him to win that role and have Free move inside.

Incredibly strong and physical at the point of attack, Collins would likely be an instant contributor at either spot. However, the potential to pair his talents with that of Smith as long-term bookend tackles has to be intriguing for the Cowboys.

The Cowboys re-signed Free to a three-year deal earlier this offseason, and while he still projects to be an impact player for the club going forward, he could conceivably make the switch to guard if Collins impresses at tackle.

Either way, the Cowboys managing to sign an undrafted free agent who was widely considered an early first-round talent should make their already dominant offensive line that much stronger heading into 2015.