Not sure how Darren McFadden spent the last week. Maybe in the weight room. Perhaps studying film. Possibly on the beach.
But I am certain of this: He’s become a better running back.
Because when the Cowboys’ No. 1 running back lines up next season, he’ll do it behind a great offensive line that with two significant transactions over the last seven days has gotten even better.
In the draft: Chaz Green. And in free agency yesterday: La’el Collins.
At 6-foot-5 and 320 pounds, the 21-year-old former LSU star has first-round talent, and the Cowboys have added him to their impressive offensive line stable without as much as using a draft pick at all. He went undrafted while NFL teams – and Baton Rouge authorities – figured out his role in the murder of a woman and the subsequent death of her baby boy. Collins was questioned by police and red-flagged by the NFL, but ultimately a paternity test and polygraph cleared him of any involvement.
Enter Jerry Jones’ recruiting pitch – assisted by Tony Romo – and, voila, the Cowboys now have the successor to Doug Free at right tackle when he retires, get injured or just plains loses the starting gig. Or even their next left guard should Ron Leary falter for any reason.
Collins canceled his plans to visit Miami and Atlanta. And the Cowboys can now slow their search for a running back upgrade.
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Because McFadden just became better. Much better.
A native Texan who was born in Duncanville and graduated from UT-Arlington, Richie Whitt has been a mainstay in the Metroplex media since 1986. He’s held prominent roles on all media platforms including newspaper (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), radio (105.3 The Fan) and TV (co-host on TXA 21 and numerous guest appearances, including NBC 5). He lives in McKinney with his wife, Sybil, and two very spoiled dogs.
