After “Worst Time Of My Life,” Tapper Grateful To Be Back Competing At DE

[Risen Star]

The Cowboys drafted Tapper at the top of the fourth round, 34 spots ahead of quarterback Dak Prescott, believing the former basketball player has pure edge rusher traits that were somewhat masked by a utility defensive line role at the University of Oklahoma.

They never got to see whether he could make an immediate impact in Rod Marinelli’s defense.

Tapper’s back pain began the week of the Cowboys’ preseason opener against the L.A. Rams after only a handful of practices in Oxnard, Calif.

“It kind of threw me all the way back, set me back emotionally and physically where I just had to depend on the guys in the locker room and a bunch of my family to really keep me going,” Tapper said. “Me loving the game also kept me going."

Read more:
http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2017/05/29/after-“worst-time-my-life”-tapper-grateful-be-back-competing-de

Tap. Is. Back.

 

[robjay04]

Another motivated player with a chip on his shoulder. Can't wait to see the competition for the defensive line this season. Literally no player is guaranteed a starting spot, very few are guaranteed a roster spot..that will make everyone better.

 

[JackOfNoTrades]

didn't Tapper have some type of surgery, didn't see that mentioned? Either way, anyone know of any other players with the same condition, which I believe I heard was degenerative or at least not 100% curable, and how their career turned out as a result?

 

[JoeKing]

Okay big fella, let's see that motivation to play translate to a ton of sacks and pressure on our opponents QBs.

 

[DFWJC]

You have to hope they get better pressure this year with the addition of a healthier Tapper and the rook Taco (later in the year).

 

[ghst187]

Loved the pick and couldn't believe we got him in the fourth round. He was always around the QB and never stayed blocked. He's a grinder that marinelli should absolutely love. He and Collins with Taco and Irving will make a solid DL...not a sack fest or anything but really solid. Would love to see Moore become the pure 3rd down edge sackster ...with pure speed on the edge....or Gregory....someone.....would really make for something special I think.

 

[jazzcat22]

Another motivated player with a chip on his shoulder. Can't wait to see the competition for the defensive line this season. Literally no player is guaranteed a starting spot, very few are guaranteed a roster spot..that will make everyone better.

This roster is starting to remind me of the early 90's. A lot of young hungry players, and some depth for competition for roster spots. The thing is, back then many starting positions were open to the competition. Now, at least on offense there are two spots to be filled. RT & LG....however Collins will get one of those, so really only question mark is will the other spot be filled in to be a strength, or at least not a weak link. I think they will be fine there.

As for the defense, we know pretty much the top 14, but how will they line up the top 11. But however it turns out, I feel they can't be any worse than last year, as they can only get better.

 

[Aven8]

I could see Tapper having a similar year to Detroits Kerry Hyder, the former Red Raider. Very similar players.

 

[Trouty]

I could see Tapper having a similar year to Detroits Kerry Hyder, the former Red Raider. Very similar players.

8.0 sacks, hell yeah, Aven!!

 

[Rogerthat12]

Tapper has some skills, hopefully the back is behind him so he can develop them further.

 

[xwalker]

didn't Tapper have some type of surgery, didn't see that mentioned? Either way, anyone know of any other players with the same condition, which I believe I heard was degenerative or at least not 100% curable, and how their career turned out as a result?

No surgery.

Not degenerative.

Probably not a problem again but if something were to happen then they would probably do surgery to strengthen it.

If he makes it through this season then he's unlikely to have future problems.

 

[Hardline]

I love it when I can start liking Oklahoma Sooners.

 

[JackOfNoTrades]

No surgery.

Not degenerative.

Probably not a problem again but if something were to happen then they would probably do surgery to strengthen it.

If he makes it through this season then he's unlikely to have future problems.

thank you......I'm excited for his impact this season, especially since I bet he's extra motivated

 

[Hailmary]

No surgery.

Not degenerative.

Probably not a problem again but if something were to happen then they would probably do surgery to strengthen it.

If he makes it through this season then he's unlikely to have future problems.

Anyone know if stem cell injections are legal in the NFL and if it would help Tapper or Smith with their conditions?

 

[Trouty]

Anyone know if stem cell injections are legal in the NFL and if it would help Tapper or Smith with their conditions?

They are in the MLB (Garrett Richards, our ace, just had it done this past offseason), not sure about the NFL, tho, Hailmary.

 

[CheapietheCheapskate]

I love it when I can start liking Oklahoma Sooners.

Especially ones who don't knock women out and break their jaws.

 

[Risen Star]

Especially ones who don't knock women out and break their jaws.

After being racial slurred, spit on and slapped.

 

[Hailmary]

They are in the MLB (Garrett Richards, our ace, just had it done this past offseason), not sure about the NFL, tho, Hailmary.

I just looked it up and it is legal and quite a few players have turned to it. I didn't realize that was the procedure that Manning had performed on him overseas years back. Seems like Dr. Andrews is endorsing it, which is a pretty big deal.

Here's an article for anyone interested,:

http://mmqb.si.com/2014/07/30/stem-cell-treatment-nfl-sports-medicine

 

[Trouty]

I just looked it up and it is legal and quite a few players have turned to it. I didn't realize that was the procedure that Manning had performed on him overseas years back. Seems like Dr. Andrews is endorsing it, which is a pretty big deal.

Here's an article for anyone interested,:

http://mmqb.si.com/2014/07/30/stem-cell-treatment-nfl-sports-medicine

Thanks for the info, Hailmary.

I think Manning had other "procedures" performed on him overseas, too <wink wink>

Stem cell is hit and miss. The Angels spent $6m on stem cell treatment on Garrett Richard's elbow to avoid Tommy John surgery. He lasted one game, 4.2 innings, and is now on the 60-day DL. Shoulda just had the surgery which he will likely have regardless, now.

Hopefully Jaylon doesn't need it. Same with Tapper. @xwalker recently posted some very encourage details about Tapper's condition in one of these threads.

 

[Hailmary]

Thanks for the info, Hailmary.

I think Manning had other "procedures" performed on him overseas, too <wink wink>

Stem cell is hit and miss. The Angels spent $6m on stem cell treatment on his elbow to avoid Tommy John surgery. He lasted one game, 4.2 innings, and is now on the 60-day DL. Shoulda just had the surgery which he will likely get regardless, now.

Hopefully Jaylon doesn't need it. Same with Tapper. @xwalker recently posted some very encourage details about Tapper's condition in one of these threads.

6mil?!?!?! They was robbed! Yea, he probably should have gotten the surgery, but I think the real benefit of stem cell treatment is to aide in recovery.