Love the LB's we got in the draft but please....
I am hearing that Parsons has more to learn about the position and his greatest contribution in his rookie season may be as a situational pass rusher. I love Jabril Cox too, but these guys are rookies, opponent RB's TE's and O-linemen are going to teach them a lot this season and then their greatest jump in awareness, the big picture, when the game slows down...whatever....this takes place in their 2nd season.
Not only that, but talking trade before these rookies play even one down of preseason ball is beyond optimistic. When you are willing to trade the team's leading tackler, the 3rd leading tackler in the league during the 2020 season, you are flat anointing your rookies.
Worse, some of us have conveniently ignored a simple fact. Players get injured. We are going to lose one or two of the guys we are most excited about. It usually happens to most teams, even Tom Brady got knocked out of a whole season.
Injuries are random, although I have to admit that it always feels as though supernatural forces enjoy tormenting Cowboy fans. There are times when injuries can focus on a single squad with devastating consequences. A prime example destroyed the Cowboys season last year.
Last season the O-line began fracturing with the retirement of Fredericks while picking up steam before the season began when Collins was out then with Tyron going down after two games. The backup tackle, Fleming was also battling injuries.
It certainly didn't stop there, it took down Looney for a while. Basically the Cowboys played games with an offensive line composed of 3rd stringers. The line had an undrafted rookie, a rookie that was a 4th round draft choice, and an undrafted 2nd year player. Even Martin went down after the 10th game.
So what if it is the LBers turn this season?
Let's say the Cowboys trade Smith or LVE. Perhaps you are thrilled when they decide to trade both before training camp, which they won't but let's follow the possible consequences. It's the 2nd day of training camp and one of our exciting rookie LBers go down. Pick one. It doesn't look good, he will miss at least half the season. Pick a veteran free agent LB. He gets hobbled in preseason game #4.
Don't pretend it can't happen. Knowing the Cowboys history when it comes to lucky breaks, rather their lack of, the circumstances are practically predictable. You now have a possible starting lineup of a rookie and somebody who played mostly special teams last season.
Quality depth should be treasured, not squandered on the hopes the Cowboys get a day #2 draft pick next May. Having the LB's the Cowboys have gives them the absolute luxury of sustaining injury to the squad without the quality of their play being effected. Both LVE and Smith cannot help being motivated by that level of competition. They should both have great seasons....barring injury.
