Predicting 2021 players whose stock rises and whose may fall

Redball Express

All Aboard!!!
Messages
16,253
Reaction score
12,758
786e1b1bc377ac9ea60294e123cf62f5.gif

They complement each other. We have already seen neither can carry the team individually.

The sum of their parts greats a better player in each.
 

ArtClink

Well-Known Member
Messages
2,397
Reaction score
3,512
One of the most fun aspects of the off season is looking at the roster and trying to decide whose stock will rise and whose will fall. There will always be surprises.

With that in mind, here is a list of guys I think will emerge as young stars. In other words, these guys’ stock will be on the rise in 2021:

RISERS (emerging stars)
  • Micah Parsons- I expect new DC Dan Quinn to find lots of ways to make the 12th pick in the 2021 draft a real defensive weapon. If he’s healthy all year, Parsons will be our leading tackler and probably the most exciting player to watch on defense. All the disappointed Cowboys fans on draft night are going to have to admit this guy is a beast.
  • Trayvon Diggs- after an up and down rookie season, I think Diggs is going to emerge as potential pro bowl corner. Mentally and physically tough, I’m expecting a breakout season from this guy.
  • Cedee Lamb- after an outstanding rookie season, Lamb can still improve a lot. He had a ton of drops last year. If he improves on that, look out. He may even become the team’s leading receiver. With Cooper and Gallup drawing some attention from defenses, Lamb could become THE guy at WR.
  • Tyler Biadz- He had a decent rookie season in spurts until he got hurt. He’s not yet T- Fred material but if Zack Martin, La’El Collins and Ty Smith are all healthy, Biadz will grow a lot.
  • Michael Gallup- so far, he’s easily been the best part of the 2018 draft. He’s become one of my favorite Cowboys. With Cooper and Lamb drawing attention, Gallup can continue his healthy 15.6 yard per reception average- one of the best in football. He’s going to garner a much bigger contract next year.
  • Hunter Niswander- this dude was a great midseason addition at punter last year. He avg 47.6 yards a punt and had a whopping 10 punts inside the 20. Having a punter with these kind of numbers helps a defense out a ton.
FALLERS (guys that are diminishing in value- hope I’m wrong)
  • Zeke Elliott- the days of Zeke having 25 carries for 150 yards are in the rear view mirror. He will still have some value for sure. But he’s never going to be 2016 Zeke again.
  • Amari Cooper- Coop always has great stats, but he has a bad habit of disappearing in big games. He’s not making $20 mil a year to disappear. He will still be the best route runner in football, but he’s also still carrying those nagging foot and leg injuries that quietly sideline him too often.
  • LVE- that nagging neck injury has robbed a very talented guy from being a top NFL LB. If he were healthy, his speed and tackling ability would make him a stud. But he’s had this neck problem since his Boise State days. That’s troubling.
  • Jaylon Smith- With that contract and his awful performance last year, he certainly has incentive to get back to decent. But I just don’t have any confidence that he still has that in him. He’s a great story of perseverance but I wonder if that story is winding down. This is probably his last hurrah in Big D.
I left a lot of guys off both lists for brevity sake. Some of the bigger names like Dak, Tyron Smith, Zack Martin, etc, are people I hope will return to prominence. We will see.

Who are your risers and fallers?

Michael Gallup has been a great pick! Love his effort and amazing abilities. He is a guy that always gives his all. We need more of guys like him and less Zeke’s (I agree with your Zeke analysis).
 

Bobhaze

Staff member
Messages
16,500
Reaction score
63,080
CowboysZone ULTIMATE Fan
What limitations does Dak have?
Let me start with his:
STRENGTHS
  • Leadership
  • Doesn’t throw a ton of picks
  • Nice touch on long ball
  • Passes well on the move
  • Toughness and durability (started every game before his injury last year)
  • Good runner, especially near goal line
  • Ability to read defenses
LIMITATIONS
  • Doesn’t have a rocket arm
  • Pocket awareness could be better
  • Needs to get rid of ball quicker
  • Sometimes inaccurate with intermediate routes
Dak’s an excellent QB in my book. But like most QBs, he does have both strengths and limitations.
What’s your assessment of Dak?
 

ESisback

Well-Known Member
Messages
13,147
Reaction score
14,025
I think Dak has a different mindset than Zeke, and will work even harder to show he deserves the money.
 

CowboyRoy

Well-Known Member
Messages
57,924
Reaction score
38,930
Let me start with his:
STRENGTHS
  • Leadership
  • Doesn’t throw a ton of picks
  • Nice touch on long ball
  • Passes well on the move
  • Toughness and durability (started every game before his injury last year)
  • Good runner, especially near goal line
  • Ability to read defenses
LIMITATIONS
  • Doesn’t have a rocket arm
  • Pocket awareness could be better
  • Needs to get rid of ball quicker
  • Sometimes inaccurate with intermediate routes
Dak’s an excellent QB in my book. But like most QBs, he does have both strengths and limitations.
What’s your assessment of Dak?
 

CowboyRoy

Well-Known Member
Messages
57,924
Reaction score
38,930
Thatst’s nit picking. Daks arm is fine…..no
Limitations there.

Pocket awareness is fine, I would say stepping up and or taking off could be improved. Again, not a limitation.

a limitation to me is a major flaw. Like dalton can’t handle pressure.

Dak to me is a great qb. Some are better but we’re lucky to have him. Leadership off the charts. Miracle to find him in the 4th right after romo.
 

tyke1doe

Well-Known Member
Messages
53,658
Reaction score
32,037
One of the most fun aspects of the off season is looking at the roster and trying to decide whose stock will rise and whose will fall. There will always be surprises.

With that in mind, here is a list of guys I think will emerge as young stars. In other words, these guys’ stock will be on the rise in 2021:

RISERS (emerging stars)
  • Micah Parsons- I expect new DC Dan Quinn to find lots of ways to make the 12th pick in the 2021 draft a real defensive weapon. If he’s healthy all year, Parsons will be our leading tackler and probably the most exciting player to watch on defense. All the disappointed Cowboys fans on draft night are going to have to admit this guy is a beast.
  • Trayvon Diggs- after an up and down rookie season, I think Diggs is going to emerge as potential pro bowl corner. Mentally and physically tough, I’m expecting a breakout season from this guy.
  • Cedee Lamb- after an outstanding rookie season, Lamb can still improve a lot. He had a ton of drops last year. If he improves on that, look out. He may even become the team’s leading receiver. With Cooper and Gallup drawing some attention from defenses, Lamb could become THE guy at WR.
  • Tyler Biadz- He had a decent rookie season in spurts until he got hurt. He’s not yet T- Fred material but if Zack Martin, La’El Collins and Ty Smith are all healthy, Biadz will grow a lot.
  • Michael Gallup- so far, he’s easily been the best part of the 2018 draft. He’s become one of my favorite Cowboys. With Cooper and Lamb drawing attention, Gallup can continue his healthy 15.6 yard per reception average- one of the best in football. He’s going to garner a much bigger contract next year.
  • Hunter Niswander- this dude was a great midseason addition at punter last year. He avg 47.6 yards a punt and had a whopping 10 punts inside the 20. Having a punter with these kind of numbers helps a defense out a ton.
FALLERS (guys that are diminishing in value- hope I’m wrong)
  • Zeke Elliott- the days of Zeke having 25 carries for 150 yards are in the rear view mirror. He will still have some value for sure. But he’s never going to be 2016 Zeke again.
  • Amari Cooper- Coop always has great stats, but he has a bad habit of disappearing in big games. He’s not making $20 mil a year to disappear. He will still be the best route runner in football, but he’s also still carrying those nagging foot and leg injuries that quietly sideline him too often.
  • LVE- that nagging neck injury has robbed a very talented guy from being a top NFL LB. If he were healthy, his speed and tackling ability would make him a stud. But he’s had this neck problem since his Boise State days. That’s troubling.
  • Jaylon Smith- With that contract and his awful performance last year, he certainly has incentive to get back to decent. But I just don’t have any confidence that he still has that in him. He’s a great story of perseverance but I wonder if that story is winding down. This is probably his last hurrah in Big D.
I left a lot of guys off both lists for brevity sake. Some of the bigger names like Dak, Tyron Smith, Zack Martin, etc, are people I hope will return to prominence. We will see.

Who are your risers and fallers?


Good job! I would add Randy Gregory to your risers. I think with a full training camp, having played last year and having offenses account for Parsons, he's going to FINALLY have a breakout year. I'm predicting double-digit sacks - provided he stays healthy.
I've always seen flashes of his abilities. But he just couldn't stay on the field for any length of time. Watch him this year.

I predict Micah Parsons will be named the defensive rookie of the year.
I predict Cee Dee Lamb will lead the team in reception yardage.

Fallers? I would add Tyron Smith. I just think he's on the downside of his career, and his body will break down once again. It will finally be time to call it quits.
 

pitt33

Well-Known Member
Messages
4,714
Reaction score
6,352
Rising:

- Diggs
- Wilson
- Jarwin
- Lamb

Falling:

- Elliot
- T Smith
- Lewis

Not even including Jaylon in here. Not to rag on him but he’s fallen off a cliff. And wasn’t really good to begin with.
 

leeblair

Well-Known Member
Messages
2,926
Reaction score
5,019
Biggest drop off - Dak. He has no incentive to excel now. You'll see a big drop off like Zeke after he got paid.
It will be hard for Dak to drop off much further. As of now he only produces when the Cowboys are behind and the defenses are playing loose. He disappears when the team needs to learn on him.
Amari Cooper gets a bad rap because Dak disappears and gets erratic in his passing. Cooper may have his best year if Dak is injured and Garret Gilbert has to start.
Zeke could also benefit from a quarterback who doesn't hide until the Cowboys are behind by 20 points. As it is, defenses can key on him early because Dak doesn't move the team against opposing defenses when the game is still being contested.
Jaylon Smith should be cut. He's just not healthy.
And LVE will likely be injured most of the year, too.
 

Stash

Staff member
Messages
78,366
Reaction score
102,293
CowboysZone ULTIMATE Fan
It will be hard for Dak to drop off much further. As of now he only produces when the Cowboys are behind and the defenses are playing loose. He disappears when the team needs to learn on him.
Amari Cooper gets a bad rap because Dak disappears and gets erratic in his passing. Cooper may have his best year if Dak is injured and Garret Gilbert has to start.
Zeke could also benefit from a quarterback who doesn't hide until the Cowboys are behind by 20 points. As it is, defenses can key on him early because Dak doesn't move the team against opposing defenses when the game is still being contested.
Jaylon Smith should be cut. He's just not healthy.
And LVE will likely be injured most of the year, too.

That troll game needs some work.

tenor.gif
 

big dog cowboy

THE BIG DOG
Staff member
Messages
97,112
Reaction score
99,360
CowboysZone ULTIMATE Fan
Biggest drop off - Dak. He has no incentive to excel now. You'll see a big drop off like Zeke after he got paid.

Apples and oranges. Dak will prove he is a legit top 5 qb this year.

I actually think Zeke shows something this year. Working his tail off and a OL return to dominance.
 

Whyjerry

Well-Known Member
Messages
15,996
Reaction score
24,844
One of the most fun aspects of the off season is looking at the roster and trying to decide whose stock will rise and whose will fall. There will always be surprises.

With that in mind, here is a list of guys I think will emerge as young stars. In other words, these guys’ stock will be on the rise in 2021:

RISERS (emerging stars)
  • Micah Parsons- I expect new DC Dan Quinn to find lots of ways to make the 12th pick in the 2021 draft a real defensive weapon. If he’s healthy all year, Parsons will be our leading tackler and probably the most exciting player to watch on defense. All the disappointed Cowboys fans on draft night are going to have to admit this guy is a beast.
  • Trayvon Diggs- after an up and down rookie season, I think Diggs is going to emerge as potential pro bowl corner. Mentally and physically tough, I’m expecting a breakout season from this guy.
  • Cedee Lamb- after an outstanding rookie season, Lamb can still improve a lot. He had a ton of drops last year. If he improves on that, look out. He may even become the team’s leading receiver. With Cooper and Gallup drawing some attention from defenses, Lamb could become THE guy at WR.
  • Tyler Biadz- He had a decent rookie season in spurts until he got hurt. He’s not yet T- Fred material but if Zack Martin, La’El Collins and Ty Smith are all healthy, Biadz will grow a lot.
  • Michael Gallup- so far, he’s easily been the best part of the 2018 draft. He’s become one of my favorite Cowboys. With Cooper and Lamb drawing attention, Gallup can continue his healthy 15.6 yard per reception average- one of the best in football. He’s going to garner a much bigger contract next year.
  • Hunter Niswander- this dude was a great midseason addition at punter last year. He avg 47.6 yards a punt and had a whopping 10 punts inside the 20. Having a punter with these kind of numbers helps a defense out a ton.
FALLERS (guys that are diminishing in value- hope I’m wrong)
  • Zeke Elliott- the days of Zeke having 25 carries for 150 yards are in the rear view mirror. He will still have some value for sure. But he’s never going to be 2016 Zeke again.
  • Amari Cooper- Coop always has great stats, but he has a bad habit of disappearing in big games. He’s not making $20 mil a year to disappear. He will still be the best route runner in football, but he’s also still carrying those nagging foot and leg injuries that quietly sideline him too often.
  • LVE- that nagging neck injury has robbed a very talented guy from being a top NFL LB. If he were healthy, his speed and tackling ability would make him a stud. But he’s had this neck problem since his Boise State days. That’s troubling.
  • Jaylon Smith- With that contract and his awful performance last year, he certainly has incentive to get back to decent. But I just don’t have any confidence that he still has that in him. He’s a great story of perseverance but I wonder if that story is winding down. This is probably his last hurrah in Big D.
I left a lot of guys off both lists for brevity sake. Some of the bigger names like Dak, Tyron Smith, Zack Martin, etc, are people I hope will return to prominence. We will see.

Who are your risers and fallers?
Another good post. My list...

Risers
Gregory - He is going to ball this season. I just know it.
CeeDee - Guy is a stud. I think he is going to be our best WR now
Parsons - Perfect spot for a guy to be a savior. The LB group desperately needs to produce and Parson’s talent will remove one or both of the current top 2 off the roster.
Gallimore - I think the guy is in a perfect spot to excel. I expect a big leap forward year 2. l
Diggs - Sure he got burned a lot last season but given that front 7 last year and Zero back end help I think he did great. The guy has talent and is going to be great his second year.
Tyler B - Perfect spot for him. I thought he was a steal last year and expect him to be a fixture for years.
Dak - I think he affirms his star status once and for all this year.

T Smith - My spidey senses tell me he is going to have a great year.

Fallers
J Smith - The guy is a soft, entitled clown show. I suspect he finds the bench if he continues to pull his crap. I also think this is his last year in Dallas.

Zeke - Drops off every season. I think this is his last shot. I think he has a chance to really improve but will bet against him given his poor makeup.

LVE - another clown. I think he is an injury waiting to happen. Also took his que from 54 which contributes to his decline.

Hill - Another clown courtesy of Rod Marinelli. Guy has no work ethic. I expect him to be playing his last year in Dallas.

C Williams - I think the competition might sink this guy once and for all.
 

plasticman

Well-Known Member
Messages
9,476
Reaction score
16,082
I believe LVE will rise. I don't think his career is over yet. Last season his performance was effected by nagging injuries but I also believe it was due to the overall state of the Cowboys. The defense spent too much time on the field battling offenses that were grinding and didn't have to score too many points. They could be patient and run long drives.

The demise of the DT's led to the LB's being targeted by offensive linemen running around at the 2nd level.

I don't think Cooper will fall, I just think he'll have to share more and won't need to be targeted as often.

I can't say the same thing about Jaylon Smith. He's been getting hit a lot over the past two seasons and I think it effects him. he was making a lot of "business decisions" towards the end of last season.

I think Anthony Brown will fall. It will only be a matter of weeks before he is replaced by one of the taller rookies.

I believe all the veteran DT's will rise, not difficult to do considering their performances last season.

Dalton Shultz will fall only because he will be sharing time with Jarwin. Obviously, Jarwin rises.

The offensive line will rise compared to last season. Again, not a difficult achievement.

Not going to mention the rookies because there is no previous frame of reference.

Zeke will rise. I think this is the season that will define his career. Pollard goes as Zeke goes. This is his contract year, I think, and he will feast of fatigued defenses.
 

CouchCoach

Staff member
Messages
41,122
Reaction score
74,901
CowboysZone ULTIMATE Fan
That’s going to be a very interesting situation this year with Connor Williams. He’s never lacked ability. He’s just never been consistent enough IMO. Some weeks he plays well, the next he’s on skates. CW is one of the more mystifying players on this team. He certainly has the incentive to be at his best this year. We will see.
And he's one of those college players that set his sights on being a Cowboy so everything was there for him.

He doesn't just do that game to game but within games. I will see a stand out play and then within the next 6 or 7 he's getting manhandled.

But, he has been able to remain healthy and that's a huge attribute for OL in the NFL. He will get a better deal than we anticipate just based on that. A C+ LG that is available beats a B backed up by a D.

Williams was also the soft spot coming in with a standout OL. Which guy were you going to attack if you're a DC? The kid was the only non pber on the OL, I believe, and even they said they had to strengthen him for the G position but they played him anyway. He's a prime example of why rookie OL didn't see the field back in the day but there aren't enough really good ones now and slim pickings for depth.
 

Typhus

Captain Catfish
Messages
19,732
Reaction score
22,631
Biggest drop off - Dak. He has no incentive to excel now. You'll see a big drop off like Zeke after he got paid.
Im a well known ANTI DAKER , but that is stupid post of the day material right there
 

beware_d-ware

Well-Known Member
Messages
7,432
Reaction score
9,038
Randy Gregory is my breakout candidate. He's always had elite raw talent, has always looked good pass rushing in limited doses, and now has a full offseason to work out without any risk of suspensions. As a full time starter, I could see him getting consistent pressures and hitting 8 sacks easy.

For fallers, I think Tyron and La'El aren't going to look good if they play. Both are dealing with years-long chronic injuries, and all the wear and tear and surgeries are going to sap more and more of their game.

Zeke is an in-between... so much of his struggles last year were mental and just not caring, but even when he was locked in last year (eg Vikings game, Week 16 Eagles game), he had obviously lost a lot of burst. No doubt he can play better than he did last year, but IMO he is in terminal decline.
 
Last edited:

jnday

Well-Known Member
Messages
14,292
Reaction score
11,422
One of the most fun aspects of the off season is looking at the roster and trying to decide whose stock will rise and whose will fall. There will always be surprises.

With that in mind, here is a list of guys I think will emerge as young stars. In other words, these guys’ stock will be on the rise in 2021:

RISERS (emerging stars)
  • Micah Parsons- I expect new DC Dan Quinn to find lots of ways to make the 12th pick in the 2021 draft a real defensive weapon. If he’s healthy all year, Parsons will be our leading tackler and probably the most exciting player to watch on defense. All the disappointed Cowboys fans on draft night are going to have to admit this guy is a beast.
  • Trayvon Diggs- after an up and down rookie season, I think Diggs is going to emerge as potential pro bowl corner. Mentally and physically tough, I’m expecting a breakout season from this guy.
  • Cedee Lamb- after an outstanding rookie season, Lamb can still improve a lot. He had a ton of drops last year. If he improves on that, look out. He may even become the team’s leading receiver. With Cooper and Gallup drawing some attention from defenses, Lamb could become THE guy at WR.
  • Tyler Biadz- He had a decent rookie season in spurts until he got hurt. He’s not yet T- Fred material but if Zack Martin, La’El Collins and Ty Smith are all healthy, Biadz will grow a lot.
  • Michael Gallup- so far, he’s easily been the best part of the 2018 draft. He’s become one of my favorite Cowboys. With Cooper and Lamb drawing attention, Gallup can continue his healthy 15.6 yard per reception average- one of the best in football. He’s going to garner a much bigger contract next year.
  • Hunter Niswander- this dude was a great midseason addition at punter last year. He avg 47.6 yards a punt and had a whopping 10 punts inside the 20. Having a punter with these kind of numbers helps a defense out a ton.
FALLERS (guys that are diminishing in value- hope I’m wrong)
  • Zeke Elliott- the days of Zeke having 25 carries for 150 yards are in the rear view mirror. He will still have some value for sure. But he’s never going to be 2016 Zeke again.
  • Amari Cooper- Coop always has great stats, but he has a bad habit of disappearing in big games. He’s not making $20 mil a year to disappear. He will still be the best route runner in football, but he’s also still carrying those nagging foot and leg injuries that quietly sideline him too often.
  • LVE- that nagging neck injury has robbed a very talented guy from being a top NFL LB. If he were healthy, his speed and tackling ability would make him a stud. But he’s had this neck problem since his Boise State days. That’s troubling.
  • Jaylon Smith- With that contract and his awful performance last year, he certainly has incentive to get back to decent. But I just don’t have any confidence that he still has that in him. He’s a great story of perseverance but I wonder if that story is winding down. This is probably his last hurrah in Big D.
I left a lot of guys off both lists for brevity sake. Some of the bigger names like Dak, Tyron Smith, Zack Martin, etc, are people I hope will return to prominence. We will see.

Who are your risers and fallers?
I agree with your opinions on these players , but I do have hope that LVE can come back and play well this year. I wouldn’t say he is a faller until another injury comes up, if it comes up. I think Jaylon has already become as as good as his foot will allow and I think he has hit his peak and is in decline now.
 
Top