NFL Free Agent Profile: Ronald Leary, OG, Dallas

 

Throughout the offseason, we’ll be profiling players who may end up in Denver when all is said and done with NFL Free Agency. The Broncos clearly have plenty of holes to fill before they get back to Super-Bowl form and we’ll be examining a long list of players they may choose to help the franchise do just that.

Ronald Leary’s career has had many ups and downs, starting before he entered the league. Coming out of the University of Memphis, Leary graded as a third-round talent. However, he went undrafted due to a degenerative left knee condition (osteochndritis dissecans) with the fear that it could potentially shorten his career.

After signing with the Dallas Cowboys for an abnormally large contract for an undrafted rookie, Leary spent time on the Cowboys’ practice squad and active roster his rookie year. Since then, he has been an integral part of what has become one of the best, if not the best, offensive lines in all of football—starting 47 games the past four seasons.

However, due to his high-level of play, and Dallas already heavily invested in offensive lineman, it appears that Leary will find a new home when free agency begins starting March 9.

Strengths

Although Leary started last season as La’el Collins backup for the first three games of the season, Leary made the most of his 13 games after Collins was injured. After not allowing a sack—and even better in the run game—Pro Football Focus graded Leary the No. 25 guard last year, just outside the top third in the league.

While Leary’s individual numbers were impressive last season, what was even more telling was that Dallas didn’t miss a beat when he stepped in. The Cowboys’ offensive line led the way to Pro Bowl appearances for a rookie running back and a rookie quarterback.

Weaknesses

Outside of his degenerative knee condition—which is a major concern for organizations as it dropped him from a third-round grade to undrafted—Leary has a significant injury history. In 2013, he had arthroscopic knee surgery during the preseason, in 2015 a groin injury led to his benching and he didn’t play the final game of last season with a back injury. Additionally, he has had two concussions in the past two seasons.

Even after starting last season as the backup, Leary is likely to be paid well on the open market. He is expected to sign a similar deal to the extension that the New York Jets signed Brian Winters to earlier this offseason for four years, $29 million.

How he fits in Denver

If the 6-foot-3, 320-pound guard signs with the Denver Broncos he would be an immediate starter and upgrade at either guard position, likely on the left side where he played last season. His ability to play the run and pass game at an equally high-level would allow him to fit into any scheme that new offensive coordinator Mike McCoy develops.

The biggest question for general manager John Elway won’t be about Leary’s play on the field, it will be his future health prognosis. At what is likely to be a high price tag, Leary is a high-risk, high-reward free agent.