Jed

Collins

Collins is best known to fantasy leaguers for vulturing four short-yardage touchdowns (two rushing, two receiving) from Mark Ingram et al, but he was a battering ram for New Orleans. The Saints’ team yards-per-carry average leaped from 4.0 (22nd in the NFL) in 2010 to 4.9 (fourth) in 2011. In terms of all-around performance, Pro Football Focus rated only Vonta Leach higher among fullbacks. Leach got an All-Pro nod. Collins got nada.

FB Tyler Clutts has been signed in a corresponding roster move. Collins just signed a one-year, $810,000 contract in March, but the Cowboys will go with Clutts for cheaper. Collins has appeared in at least 15 games each of the past four seasons. It shouldn’t take him long to latch on elsewhere as a lead blocker.

With Jerome Felton and Henry Hynoski off the market, Collins is the top fullback available. He struggled blocking for Joique Bell in Detroit last season, but would be a solid addition for the Cowboys’ run game.

Collins worked with new OC Joe Lombardi in New Orleans and is more accomplished as a lead blocker than his competition, Montell Owens. Collins’ presence is great news for Joique Bell. Bell rushed for 182 yards on 31 carries (5.87 YPC) in the 2011 preseason running almost exclusively behind Collins.

The new Lions coaching regime continues to tip their hand in regards to scheme. They’re moving away from the wide-open, shotgun sets Scott Linehan loved and toward more traditional formations. It’s great news for Joique Bell. Collins, PFF’s No. 1 lead blocker in 2011, knows OC Joe Lombardi from their time together in New Orleans.

The Lions want to use more two-back sets under new coach Jim Caldwell and OC Joe Lombardi. Collins knows Lombardi from their Saints days. Collins was Pro Football Focus’ No. 1 lead blocker in 2011 but finished 15th in 2013.

Mostly a blocker, Collins touched the football just 13 times in Detroit last year. The question is, who will he be blocking for? If the Cowboys allow DeMarco Murray to defect to Philadelphia, they make look to trade for Adrian Peterson.

He’s purely a special teamer. The Chiefs also released CB Travis Daniels, CB Londen Fryar and LB Corey Smith

There’s no one here of particular note. All were on the practice squad.

DE Shaun Smith and FB Lawrence Vickers are both starting. Derek Anderson is the QB. Brandon McDonald is again the Browns’ full-time right cornerback.