LaAdrian Waddle

Dallas Cowboys OL La'el Collins nearly picked Detroit Lions after going undrafted

Published Jun. 26, 2015 3:04 p.m. ET

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LSU product La'el Collins was going to be a first-round pick until his untimely involvement in the investigation into the murder of his pregnant ex-girlfriend, Brittany Mills, just before the draft. Although Collins was never a suspect in the case, he fell through all seven rounds and eventually signed with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent.

The Detroit Lions were one of 29 teams to contact Collins after the draft, and the talented offensive lineman put "a lot" of thought into signing with them, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.

"I talked to coach [Lions head coach Jim] Caldwell briefly, like, a day after the draft," Collins said at the rookie symposium, via the Free Press. "First of all, he just wanted me to know he was here for me and that if I needed anything, I could talk to him or if I needed to talk to him, things like that.

"And honestly, I went on a visit to Detroit and I had a great talk with coach Caldwell while I was there, I had a great meeting with them. We connected in a big way. It was nothing but love and respect for him. I think he's a great coach; I think they're going to be a great team."

Birkett believes Collins could have been a "day-one starter" for the Lions at right tackle, the position he projects to play with the Cowboys. Detroit is currently hurting at the position, as LaAdrian Waddle continues his recovery from a partially torn ACL.

(h/t Detroit Free Press)

Photo Credit: Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports

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