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Colts Reportedly Have ‘Lukewarm’ Interest in La’El Collins

By Luke Schultheis

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While the Indianapolis Colts could still arguably use some help along their offensive line, don’t expect to see LSU’s La’El Collins in a team uniform anytime soon. According to Stephen Holder of The Indianapolis Star, the Colts only have middling interest:

"“A team source indicated the club has only lukewarm interest in Collins, who met with Baton Rouge, La., police Monday to answer questions about the death of 29-year-old Brittany Collins,” writes Holder."

The once projected first round pick saw his draft stock plummet, after he was questioned about the recent death of his ex-girlfriend. The Baton Rouge police do not consider Collins a suspect at this time, but after seeing the disturbing former New England Patriots Aaron Hernandez situation recently unfold, no NFL team was willing to even take a chance and rightfully so.

One interesting note it that per Holder, team officials were weary of Collins even before he was questioned regarding the death of his ex-girlfriend and had undisclosed hesitations:

"“Team officials are obviously leery based on recent developments with the case. But it appears there was hesitation about Collins within the organization even before the case. The source did not detail the reasons for that,” added Holder."

So while the Buffalo Bills Rex Ryan recently wine and dined Collins last night by meeting with him in Baton Rouge and today, the Miami Dolphins will get their shot, it appears unlikely that the Colts will enter the fray for Collins. The team could certainly use Collins from purely a football standpoint at either guard or right tackle, but it looks like he may have too much off-the-field baggage for the team’s tastes.

Feb 18, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; LSU Tigers offensive lineman La’el Collins speaks to the media during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The team did draft an offensive tackle this week in the 7th round in Denzelle Good from Mars Hill. The 6’6″, 340 pounder is a big and wide bodied offensive tackle, who possesses surprising athleticism despite his massive size. However, he’s more of a developmental project at offensive tackle, while a prospect like Collins can seemingly make an immediate impact.

It’s looking like the Colts are confident that incumbent starting right tackle Gosder Cherilus can return to the solid bookend he was back in 2013, when he wasn’t hampered by a number of physical injuries. The 8-year veteran was highly ineffective last season, as he labored through injuries, but figures to be in-line for a better season if healthy.

Either way, it appears that the Colts aren’t all that interested in the potentially troubled Collins at this juncture, by presumably prioritizing potential character issues over purely a football need.

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