Three hidden gems for the Cowboys

garyo1954

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Matching the star on their helmets, the Cowboys have star players who will drive headlines, get the most attention and ultimately, get the most scrutiny. But these three players are hidden gems on their roster.

3. Keanu Neal is a defensive weapon
The Cowboys had one of the worst defenses in the league last year, including the second-worst run defense (158.8 yards per game) and the seventh-worst passer rating against (100.4). They've enlisted former Falcons' head coach Dan Quinn to turn it around as the new defensive coordinator while bringing in one of his former pupils.


2. Tony Pollard is a capable backup to Exekiel Elliott
The struggles of Ezekiel Elliott, either through indications of his own decline or chalked up to a banged-up offensive line, took center stage last year. But focusing on that means missing what Pollard did when he got opportunities.

After averaging 5.3 yards per carry as a rookie in 2019, Pollard got 101 carries last year as Elliott dealt with hamstring and calf injuries. In the game Elliott missed entirely, Week 15 against the San Francisco 49ers, Pollard posted 132 total yards on 18 touches (six receptions) with two rushing scores. In games he had at least nine opportunities (carries plus targets) in last year, he had at least 40 total yards five times with touchdowns in two other game he didn't reach that threshold.


1. Michael Gallup may be the best No. 3 receiver in the NFL
When CeeDee Lamb was taken in the first round of the 2020 draft, Gallup was bumped down the pecking order among Cowboys' wide receivers. As the proverbial "third wheel", Gallup was indeed third on the team with 105 targets last year (behind Amari Cooper-130 and Lamb-111). But he was still productive, with 843 yards, five touchdowns and a team-best 14.3 yards per catch.

Entering the final year of his contract, Gallup has been seen as a prime trade chip for Dallas. But they hung onto him through the draft and barring a deal between now and Week 1 he'll go into the season as a Cowboy. That won't be ideal for boosting his stock in free agency next March, barring an injury to Cooper or Lamb, but it's not a death knell for him either.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/3-hidden-gems-on-the-dallas-cowboys-roster/ar-AAL9Aih
 

Aerolithe_Lion

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Matching the star on their helmets, the Cowboys have star players who will drive headlines, get the most attention and ultimately, get the most scrutiny. But these three players are hidden gems on their roster.

3. Keanu Neal is a defensive weapon
The Cowboys had one of the worst defenses in the league last year, including the second-worst run defense (158.8 yards per game) and the seventh-worst passer rating against (100.4). They've enlisted former Falcons' head coach Dan Quinn to turn it around as the new defensive coordinator while bringing in one of his former pupils.


2. Tony Pollard is a capable backup to Exekiel Elliott
The struggles of Ezekiel Elliott, either through indications of his own decline or chalked up to a banged-up offensive line, took center stage last year. But focusing on that means missing what Pollard did when he got opportunities.

After averaging 5.3 yards per carry as a rookie in 2019, Pollard got 101 carries last year as Elliott dealt with hamstring and calf injuries. In the game Elliott missed entirely, Week 15 against the San Francisco 49ers, Pollard posted 132 total yards on 18 touches (six receptions) with two rushing scores. In games he had at least nine opportunities (carries plus targets) in last year, he had at least 40 total yards five times with touchdowns in two other game he didn't reach that threshold.


1. Michael Gallup may be the best No. 3 receiver in the NFL
When CeeDee Lamb was taken in the first round of the 2020 draft, Gallup was bumped down the pecking order among Cowboys' wide receivers. As the proverbial "third wheel", Gallup was indeed third on the team with 105 targets last year (behind Amari Cooper-130 and Lamb-111). But he was still productive, with 843 yards, five touchdowns and a team-best 14.3 yards per catch.

Entering the final year of his contract, Gallup has been seen as a prime trade chip for Dallas. But they hung onto him through the draft and barring a deal between now and Week 1 he'll go into the season as a Cowboy. That won't be ideal for boosting his stock in free agency next March, barring an injury to Cooper or Lamb, but it's not a death knell for him either.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/3-hidden-gems-on-the-dallas-cowboys-roster/ar-AAL9Aih

I agree with Number 1, but for number 3….

The Falcons had the worst pass D the nfl has seen in the last 5 years. It was so bad both starting safeties were not retained, and only got a combined 5 mil on the open market… and both went to Dallas. Neal moving to LB may be intriguing and improve his stock to the team, but I believe he’s a big ??? At this point in the offseason.
 

garyo1954

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I agree with Number 1, but for number 3….

The Falcons had the worst pass D the nfl has seen in the last 5 years. It was so bad both starting safeties were not retained, and only got a combined 5 mil on the open market… and both went to Dallas. Neal moving to LB may be intriguing and improve his stock to the team, but I believe he’s a big ??? At this point in the offseason.

Read the article you'll see he's a versatile player.
He lined up 22 times on the DL.
He was in the box 484 plays.
He played slot corner 157 snaps, 28 at wide corner and 226 at FS.
Also had a few plays in kick coverage, punt return, and XPs.

Neal may carry that position label (LB) now, but he should be a versatile piece for Quinn lining up everywhere from the box to deep as a free safety. He's expected to make an all around impact (health permitting).
 

john van brocklin

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Matching the star on their helmets, the Cowboys have star players who will drive headlines, get the most attention and ultimately, get the most scrutiny. But these three players are hidden gems on their roster.

3. Keanu Neal is a defensive weapon
The Cowboys had one of the worst defenses in the league last year, including the second-worst run defense (158.8 yards per game) and the seventh-worst passer rating against (100.4). They've enlisted former Falcons' head coach Dan Quinn to turn it around as the new defensive coordinator while bringing in one of his former pupils.


2. Tony Pollard is a capable backup to Exekiel Elliott
The struggles of Ezekiel Elliott, either through indications of his own decline or chalked up to a banged-up offensive line, took center stage last year. But focusing on that means missing what Pollard did when he got opportunities.

After averaging 5.3 yards per carry as a rookie in 2019, Pollard got 101 carries last year as Elliott dealt with hamstring and calf injuries. In the game Elliott missed entirely, Week 15 against the San Francisco 49ers, Pollard posted 132 total yards on 18 touches (six receptions) with two rushing scores. In games he had at least nine opportunities (carries plus targets) in last year, he had at least 40 total yards five times with touchdowns in two other game he didn't reach that threshold.


1. Michael Gallup may be the best No. 3 receiver in the NFL
When CeeDee Lamb was taken in the first round of the 2020 draft, Gallup was bumped down the pecking order among Cowboys' wide receivers. As the proverbial "third wheel", Gallup was indeed third on the team with 105 targets last year (behind Amari Cooper-130 and Lamb-111). But he was still productive, with 843 yards, five touchdowns and a team-best 14.3 yards per catch.

Entering the final year of his contract, Gallup has been seen as a prime trade chip for Dallas. But they hung onto him through the draft and barring a deal between now and Week 1 he'll go into the season as a Cowboy. That won't be ideal for boosting his stock in free agency next March, barring an injury to Cooper or Lamb, but it's not a death knell for him either.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/3-hidden-gems-on-the-dallas-cowboys-roster/ar-AAL9Aih
Agreed!, now let's go kick butt!
 

garyo1954

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Gallup is indeed a gem but he's not hidden. He'll be costly to re-sign.

Personally, I'd trade Amari. He's great when he's there, but he pulls the invisible man routine at times. I know people claim we need that speed, but he runs 4.42 to Gallup's 4.51. And all those precision routes aren't worth the precision they're drawn up to be if we aren't getting anywhere. Fehoko, if he makes the team, rounds out his routes, but he's big and fights for the ball (the reason I suspect we'll use him a lot in the end zone).

Be a luxury to keep them all, if only we could.
 

Aerolithe_Lion

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Personally, I'd trade Amari. He's great when he's there, but he pulls the invisible man routine at times. I know people claim we need that speed, but he runs 4.42 to Gallup's 4.51. And all those precision routes aren't worth the precision they're drawn up to be if we aren't getting anywhere. Fehoko, if he makes the team, rounds out his routes, but he's big and fights for the ball (the reason I suspect we'll use him a lot in the end zone).

Be a luxury to keep them ll, if only we could.

I smell what you’re steppin in, well said

i also think Gallup complements CeeDee a little better, if he breaks out as most predict and takes over that position group
 

JoeKing

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Personally, I'd trade Amari. He's great when he's there, but he pulls the invisible man routine at times. I know people claim we need that speed, but he runs 4.42 to Gallup's 4.51. And all those precision routes aren't worth the precision they're drawn up to be if we aren't getting anywhere. Fehoko, if he makes the team, rounds out his routes, but he's big and fights for the ball (the reason I suspect we'll use him a lot in the end zone).

Be a luxury to keep them all, if only we could.
I agree. Even though he may be expensive, I'm re-signing Gallup and letting AC walk when his contract expires.
 

Future

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Neal's more likely to get cut in camp than he is to be a "weapon." He's entirely redundant with Cox and he hasn't (though I don't know why he couldn't) ever played much on STs. Your backup LBers - even your safeties - have to do that.

There's no way the Cowboys signed him thinking they were going to draft two LBers.
 

buybuydandavis

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Matching the star on their helmets, the Cowboys have star players who will drive headlines, get the most attention and ultimately, get the most scrutiny. But these three players are hidden gems on their roster.

3. Keanu Neal is a defensive weapon
The Cowboys had one of the worst defenses in the league last year, including the second-worst run defense (158.8 yards per game) and the seventh-worst passer rating against (100.4). They've enlisted former Falcons' head coach Dan Quinn to turn it around as the new defensive coordinator while bringing in one of his former pupils.


2. Tony Pollard is a capable backup to Exekiel Elliott
The struggles of Ezekiel Elliott, either through indications of his own decline or chalked up to a banged-up offensive line, took center stage last year. But focusing on that means missing what Pollard did when he got opportunities.

After averaging 5.3 yards per carry as a rookie in 2019, Pollard got 101 carries last year as Elliott dealt with hamstring and calf injuries. In the game Elliott missed entirely, Week 15 against the San Francisco 49ers, Pollard posted 132 total yards on 18 touches (six receptions) with two rushing scores. In games he had at least nine opportunities (carries plus targets) in last year, he had at least 40 total yards five times with touchdowns in two other game he didn't reach that threshold.


1. Michael Gallup may be the best No. 3 receiver in the NFL
When CeeDee Lamb was taken in the first round of the 2020 draft, Gallup was bumped down the pecking order among Cowboys' wide receivers. As the proverbial "third wheel", Gallup was indeed third on the team with 105 targets last year (behind Amari Cooper-130 and Lamb-111). But he was still productive, with 843 yards, five touchdowns and a team-best 14.3 yards per catch.

Entering the final year of his contract, Gallup has been seen as a prime trade chip for Dallas. But they hung onto him through the draft and barring a deal between now and Week 1 he'll go into the season as a Cowboy. That won't be ideal for boosting his stock in free agency next March, barring an injury to Cooper or Lamb, but it's not a death knell for him either.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/3-hidden-gems-on-the-dallas-cowboys-roster/ar-AAL9Aih

I don't see Pollard as a replacement for Zeke, either now or in the future. Both are probably gone in 2023. But he is a great complement.

I wish we made more use of sets with Zeke and Pollard, with Pollard as the "web back" WR/RB hybrid to threaten runs outside the hash marks and deep throws while Zeke threatens runs between the hash marks.

Gallup as the 3rd may have the best 1 and 2 in front of him. Makes life easy on him. Should be good for lots of yards per catch, but not so good for a lot of targets.
 

JoeKing

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That would be the 2025 offseason…

you could save a cool 20m by trading him next year, and probably getting the best value from it. It would pay for Gallup by itself
My point isn't about "saving money". It's about letting AC play out his contract and then letting him walk. He'll play well unless the FO lets the plan slip out that they are going to let him walk.
 

Aerolithe_Lion

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My point isn't about "saving money". It's about letting AC play out his contract and then letting him walk. He'll play well unless the FO lets the plan slip out that they are going to let him walk.

What I think is a plausible scenario is that CeeDee has the year most here expect him to, and then Gallup outplays Cooper in a contract year. The scenario then becomes, “How much sense does it make to pay your #3 WR 20m$?” …even if it technically works within the cap

And then what if you develop a good receiver in the next year or two? You ask him just sit, no playing time available? Perhaps spreading assets would be more fortuitous, get that pick for Amari AND spend the cap space on another marquee player somewhere else
 

JoeKing

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What I think is a plausible scenario is that CeeDee has the year most here expect him to, and then Gallup outplays Cooper in a contract year. The scenario then becomes, “How much sense does it make to pay your #3 WR 20m$?” …even if it technically works within the cap

And then what if you develop a good receiver in the next year or two? You ask him just sit, no playing time available? Perhaps spreading assets would be more fortuitous, get that pick for Amari AND spend the cap space on another marquee player somewhere else
Thanks so much for sharing... but nobody asked you so you just had to add your 2 cents anyway. Crashing other people's posts is just what you do.
 
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