Dallas Cowboys: Five key contract decisions for 2016

Jan 4, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA;

Dallas Cowboys tackle Jermey Parnell (78) and guard Zack Martin (70) and center Travis Frederick (72) and guard Ronald Leary (65) and tackle Tyron Smith (77) on the field before the game against the Detroit Lions in the NFC Wild Card Playoff Game at AT&T Stadium. Dallas beat Detroit 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Cowboys offensive line must be the most talked about in football.

Ask people to name the players though and it’s likely Ronald Leary and Doug Free‘s names get missed out.

Neither may have the raw talent of Tyron Smith, Zack Martin or Travis Frederick but they’re part of a hugely effective unit.

The Cowboys pounced upon La’el Collins when he slipped out of the draft.

Many fans have already anointed Collins with a starting berth, pushing Leary out onto the bench.

Personally, I wouldn’t be so quick to judge. Leary for one won’t roll over.

He’s had two seasons as a regular starter. It’s also important to remember that Zack Martin‘s rookie performances last year were off the scale.

It’s not usual for a rookie offensive line player to play like a long time Pro Bowler from the word go!

While Leary’s long-term knee injury will always be a question mark over his longevity.

At just 26 years old, the Cowboys won’t want to toss him aside without a second thought.

Leary is the past and Collins the future; to have them both as options for the present time would be a depth that could be unrivaled.

Next: Nick Hayden