5 questions about the Cowboys draft that could determine its long-term success

[zekecowboy]

1. Can Deuce Vaughn be more than just a specialty guy?
The Cowboys drafting Vaughn has caused quite a bit of excitement. Just watching his highlight reel from Kansas State is enough to get any Cowboys fan pumped. But, and we know this ‘but’ because its the reason he fell to the sixth round, can he survive in the NFL at his size? There have been guys who have done it like Darren Sproles, but there is always the injury issue for a guy Vaughn’s size.
2. Will Maxi Smith develop some pass-rush moves?
We know Smith is a mountain of man, and his primary role will be to help stop the run, something the Cowboys have not been very good at recently. It feels like this is something he will accomplish right away. But the Cowboys invested a first-round pick in him, and they are surely hoping he will develop a pass rush at some point. That is what will set him apart from other defensive tackles who just stop the run then come off the field in any passing situation. The Cowboys are betting that his strength and athleticism will eventually give way to some pass rushing skills.
3. Will Junior Fehoko make a transition to a viable defensive tackle?
4. Is Luke Schoonmaker more in the pass game than what his Michigan stats say?
5. Can Asim Richards excel as a guard with the ability to transition back to tackle if needed?
The Cowboys seem like they are going to attempt this again, draft a tackle and slide him into the guard spot. Mike McCarthy likes athletic and rangy tackles who can carry that ability into the interior. At the moment the Cowboys have options at the tackle spot, but could use a breakout player at guard. If Richards can become a viable guard, while maintaining position flex to backup at tackle, or one day even transition back out there if space opens up, then the Cowboys nailed it once again.


https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...ine-success-long-term-deuce-vaughn-mazi-smith

 

[jazzcat22]

1. Deuce needs to be used at the right moments. He also needs to learn to return Punts and Kicks, if he doesn't already do so. We can't have 2 ST's type gadget play type players. Unless they feel the are so deep at the rest of the roster.

2. Mazi said he will do what ever the team asks. When they are ready to get him into learning the pass rush, he will learn it. He has the athleticism to do so. It may not be all roses this season, but in a few years fans may say we stole this guy even as a 1st round pick. You know it's coming, fans will whine he doesn't have any or many sacks after the first few games.

3. Don't know a lot about this guy still. It will be interesting and hope they finally hit on one of these flex project mid round DL picks. If he can make the transition, along with Mazi and Hankins. With the DE's as well. Can we have a DL that can rival Philly and SF?

4. From the videos I seen of Schoonmaker, I think many fans are underestimating him. Though it may take a few years as well. But we know how impatient fans can be. I am sure some will label him a bust after a few games.

5. I do not know enough about this guy as well. And hope they hit on this pick as well. They do like to flex pick and move players around. At times I think this is as bad of a move teams can make. Maybe it is just me not giving the player or coaches credit for knowing what they are doing. But they do know much better than myself. Will need to trust them.

Also, I have not read the retile yet, so posting my thoughts on 1st cup of coffee.

 

[conner01]

He never returned punts in college and only had 7 kick returns his first year
I don’t see him doing returns in year one since we have one of the top return guys in the nfl
We need Turpin involved in the passing game. He has a lot more experience than many first year players
I don’t think they wanted him playing much since he had basically played 2 seasons of games before he came here with no off time
But he’s got solid hands and did win the USFL MVP as a reciever
Deuce is small but plays much bigger than his size. I suspect they try to stssh him this year because next year we likely lose pollard

 

[big dog cowboy]

1. Can Deuce Vaughn be more than just a specialty guy?
2. Will Maxi Smith develop some pass-rush moves?
3. Will Junior Fehoko make a transition to a viable defensive tackle?
4. Is Luke Schoonmaker more in the pass game than what his Michigan stats say?
5. Can Asim Richards excel as a guard with the ability to transition back to tackle if needed?

1. Yes
2. Yes
3. Yes
4. Yes
5. Yes

All these questions have already been asked and answered.

 

[Mac_MaloneV1]

This draft is a success if you have 3 guys on the roster 3 years from now.

I don't think people fully realize how poor the quality of this draft class is overall. We're talking 2009.

 

[Creeper]

If Smith turns out to be a player, and Schoonmaker becomes a starter and better blocker than Schultz it will be a good draft.

If Asim Richards becomes a starting LG it will be a very good draft.

If Deuce Vaughn is active and getting 5 touches and 60 all purpose yards game it will be a very very good draft.

Anything after that will make this an excellent draft. But I think DT, RB, OL were issues going into the draft o if these guys work out well, then they had a successful draft.

 

[Joe Realist]

1. Deuce needs to be used at the right moments. He also needs to learn to return Punts and Kicks, if he doesn't already do so. We can't have 2 ST's type gadget play type players. Unless they feel the are so deep at the rest of the roster.

2. Mazi said he will do what ever the team asks. When they are ready to get him into learning the pass rush, he will learn it. He has the athleticism to do so. It may not be all roses this season, but in a few years fans may say we stole this guy even as a 1st round pick. You know it's coming, fans will whine he doesn't have any or many sacks after the first few games.

3. Don't know a lot about this guy still. It will be interesting and hope they finally hit on one of these flex project mid round DL picks. If he can make the transition, along with Mazi and Hankins. With the DE's as well. Can we have a DL that can rival Philly and SF?

4. From the videos I seen of Schoonmaker, I think many fans are underestimating him. Though it may take a few years as well. But we know how impatient fans can be. I am sure some will label him a bust after a few games.

5. I do not know enough about this guy as well. And hope they hit on this pick as well. They do like to flex pick and move players around. At times I think this is as bad of a move teams can make. Maybe it is just me not giving the player or coaches credit for knowing what they are doing. But they do know much better than myself. Will need to trust them.

Also, I have not read the retile yet, so posting my thoughts on 1st cup of coffee.

Calling it now on May 8th, 2023 - When Schoonmaker catches a pass and goes for first down or more, fans yell.. "Schooooooooonnn!"

 

[jazzcat22]

Calling it now on May 8th, 2023 - When Schoonmaker catches a pass and goes for first down or more, fans yell.. "Schooooooooonnn!"

Good call.

 

[KJJ]

1. Can Deuce Vaughn be more than just a specialty guy?
The Cowboys drafting Vaughn has caused quite a bit of excitement. Just watching his highlight reel from Kansas State is enough to get any Cowboys fan pumped. But, and we know this ‘but’ because its the reason he fell to the sixth round, can he survive in the NFL at his size? There have been guys who have done it like Darren Sproles, but there is always the injury issue for a guy Vaughn’s size.
2. Will Maxi Smith develop some pass-rush moves?
We know Smith is a mountain of man, and his primary role will be to help stop the run, something the Cowboys have not been very good at recently. It feels like this is something he will accomplish right away. But the Cowboys invested a first-round pick in him, and they are surely hoping he will develop a pass rush at some point. That is what will set him apart from other defensive tackles who just stop the run then come off the field in any passing situation. The Cowboys are betting that his strength and athleticism will eventually give way to some pass rushing skills.
3. Will Junior Fehoko make a transition to a viable defensive tackle?
4. Is Luke Schoonmaker more in the pass game than what his Michigan stats say?
5. Can Asim Richards excel as a guard with the ability to transition back to tackle if needed?
The Cowboys seem like they are going to attempt this again, draft a tackle and slide him into the guard spot. Mike McCarthy likes athletic and rangy tackles who can carry that ability into the interior. At the moment the Cowboys have options at the tackle spot, but could use a breakout player at guard. If Richards can become a viable guard, while maintaining position flex to backup at tackle, or one day even transition back out there if space opens up, then the Cowboys nailed it once again.


https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...ine-success-long-term-deuce-vaughn-mazi-smith

None of those questions can be answered until the season starts. I’m sure some of the brainiacs here already have the answers.

 

[BermyStar]

1. Can Deuce Vaughn be more than just a specialty guy?
I think he can be, in today's NFL with backs sharing the load I think he'd do just fine. With the right OC to get him mismatches he could be a weapon. But at the least he can be a good rotational back no doubt.

2. Will Maxi Smith develop some pass-rush moves?
I have watched a little Mazi tape (mostly while analyzing Schoonmaker), but I will say this - he got close a LOT. And he def needs work but he has all the tools to get it done.

3. Will Junior Fehoko make a transition to a viable defensive tackle?
I have nothing here. Haven't watched a minute of his tape as yet.

4. Is Luke Schoonmaker more in the pass game than what his Michigan stats say?
Yes, absolutely. Michigan's scheme would have never let him shine the way he could've, but he gets open.

5. Can Asim Richards excel as a guard with the ability to transition back to tackle if needed?
The coaching staff seem convinced of his position flex - I hope they're right.