BR - Realistic Expectations for Cowboys Rookie class

[AsthmaField]

I hate it when a fan blogger takes it upon himself to manage expectations for an entire fan base.

In hopes of what? That a mediocre year from a first round pick will not elicit thread after thread of fan lunacy?

Good luck with that.

If Taco has a middling season, we're going to have to read that Dallas failed in letting Atlanta jump us for Tak McKinley.

Or that we could have traded up for a war daddy if we had used free agency to fix the secondary instead of penny pinching.

Or that Dallas screwed up by letting Philly get Barnett.

The only way we don't get that crap is if Taco lights it up.

Heck, Ezekiel Elliott is a generational back who led the league in rushing as a rookie and we still have some yahoo's telling us he was a bad pick.

So frankly, it isn't going to matter what this blogger thinks are rational expectations... and I certainly don't need anyone to try to explain to me what I should expect from this rookie class. I can figure that out on my own.

 

[jrumann59]

I hate it when a fan blogger takes it upon himself to manage expectations for an entire fan base.

In hopes of what? That a mediocre year from a first round pick will not elicit thread after thread of fan lunacy?

Good luck with that.

If Taco has a middling season, we're going to have to read that Dallas failed in letting Atlanta jump us for Tak McKinley.

Or that we could have traded up for a war daddy if we had used free agency to fix the secondary instead of penny pinching.

Or that Dallas screwed up by letting Philly get Barnett.

The only way we don't get that crap is if Taco lights it up.

Heck, Ezekiel Elliott is a generational back who led the league in rushing as a rookie and we still have some yahoo's telling us he was a bad pick.

So frankly, it isn't going to matter what this blogger thinks are rational expectations... and I certainly don't need anyone to try to explain to me what I should expect from this rookie class. I can figure that out on my own.

Taco would need to get at least 15 sacks a year for the next 10 years before some here would consider he was not a waste.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Taco Charlton

Any time a player is a first-round pick in Dallas, the expectations are always going to be a little higher among the fanbase.

In the case of 2017 first-round pick Taco Charlton, many are expecting him to come in and "fix" the Cowboys' pass rush or at least become the team's best edge rusher as a rookie.

Didn't want to read any further than that. "Many".....really?

 

[Irvin88_4life]

Ive got the over under at 2. He may not get td's, but he will change the field position many times in our favor during the season.

I'm taking over 2 returns. The league isn't ready yet, Hester will be forgotten

 

[Bullflop]

In player development, one just never knows until one grabs a plate at the table with adults. Reggie had some injury and was picked up by the AFL. What, he was on the express lane for the Hall?

Going the other way, NO 'rook' compares in the general arena for success. Think DeMarcus Ware was guaranteed NFL successes when Parcells first wanted a 3-4 defensive end first?

U-m-m, as far as DeMarcus Ware is concerned, I'm sure he wasn't guaranteed anything as a rookie, although he sure convinced everyone quickly enough that he had what it took to make the bigtime. Even if Taco is only about half the sacker that Ware was, I'll be satisfied.

Actually, my impression of Taco Charlton is such that I think he'll be a solid enough contributor to ensure himself a place on the roster. Beyond that, I'm perfectly willing to watch his progress intently, and pray to God that he becomes half the pass rusher that Ware was. Taco is a darned sound investment -- of that I'm confident. He's also a productive run plugger. Beyond that, I'll just be pulling for him to be "all he can be."

 

[Bullflop]

Understood...but the guy was excited. I'm more in your neck of the woods on expectations, perhaps a little more grounded as to numbers. Return TD's are really tough.

Oh yeah . . . return TDs at the pro level are infinitely tougher than they are in college. Players at the pro level are, on the average, so much faster and quicker to defend against the longer returns.

Switzer isn't one with blazing speed, although he's shifty and quick. He might not see nearly as many TD-type returns in the NFL but I would hope he gets plenty of sizeable returns to set up some really good field position.

That, in itself, would be very likely to facilitate some TDs that we probably wouldn't be quite so likely to get otherwise. I'm excited about the prospects for Switzer to find success early-on, since he's impressed the staff so much early-on in the OTAs and minicamp.

 

[Macnalty]

True, but it just seems that a lot of people have the expectation that 2nd and 3rd round picks like Awuzie and Lewis will "fix" the secondary too.

They are going to take time and make mistakes also.

I agree rooks make major mistakes, it is inevitable. I am sure Coach M realizes this outcome and plans accordingly when they are in the game. Colorado and Michigan never played any teams remotely like the Giants(2),Packers, Raiders, Falcons,and Cardinals put on the gridiron at WR. Welcome to the frying pan, gotta hope for short memories and lots of heart this year. I say work them hard in training camp to lessen the heat they will be exposed to during the regular season and keep our fingers crossed.

 

[xwalker]

i watched Taco college film...and he has slow first step and if it not for his long arms i dont think he would get many sacks....until he gets experience he will get washed out on plays by stronger faster NFL lineman...just my humble opinion

I think you watched the TV broadcast, not game film.

I watched all of his snaps for last season. I don't see a slow first step. I see a Greg Hardy type first step.

 

[jobberone]

i watched Taco college film...and he has slow first step and if it not for his long arms i dont think he would get many sacks....until he gets experience he will get washed out on plays by stronger faster NFL lineman...just my humble opinion

I remember him getting off the ball rather well in some film.

 

[jobberone]

I think Taco will play well his rookie year and do better than "a few sacks", but I don't even agree with this article that he will start. Coming out of OTA's he might be our 3rd string LDE depending on how Irving played and if they move DLaw to LDE.

Irving is suspended the first four isn't he?

 

[Kaiser]

Irving is suspended the first four isn't he?

What is the latest on that? I read he was supposed to be suspended four games but then read he felt he would win the appeal and not be suspended at all.

Is there any final word on that? Broaddus wrote that article assuming he would be suspended but I haven't heard anything definitive.

 

[jobberone]

What is the latest on that? I read he was supposed to be suspended four games but then read he felt he would win the appeal and not be suspended at all.

Is there any final word on that? Broaddus wrote that article assuming he would be suspended but I haven't heard anything definitive.

Hard to get anything overturned but it can happen. I wouldn't count on it.

 

[Sarge]

I hope he can produce "hurries" on a constant basis. Produce constant pressure. Makes a huge difference in and of itself.

 

[xwalker]

I hate it when a fan blogger takes it upon himself to manage expectations for an entire fan base.

In hopes of what? That a mediocre year from a first round pick will not elicit thread after thread of fan lunacy?

Good luck with that.

If Taco has a middling season, we're going to have to read that Dallas failed in letting Atlanta jump us for Tak McKinley.

Or that we could have traded up for a war daddy if we had used free agency to fix the secondary instead of penny pinching.

Or that Dallas screwed up by letting Philly get Barnett.

The only way we don't get that crap is if Taco lights it up.

Heck, Ezekiel Elliott is a generational back who led the league in rushing as a rookie and we still have some yahoo's telling us he was a bad pick.

So frankly, it isn't going to matter what this blogger thinks are rational expectations... and I certainly don't need anyone to try to explain to me what I should expect from this rookie class. I can figure that out on my own.

 

[xwalker]

I agree -- what Charlton did in college is indicative of someone who is suited for the left side rather than the right. I'd almost bet Damontre will be the one to win the RDE post. If not, it might well be someone else with the quickness and speed to cause trouble, if one comes forth.

Taco is physically very similar to Greg Hardy who was the best RDE that they've had in the Marinelli era.

I think everyone wants an RDE to be built like Von Miller.

 

[Risen Star]

Charlton - Rotational LE.
Awuzie - Starting CB.
Lewis - Depth/Takes over slot role by end of season.
Switzer - Punt returner/gadget player
Woods - Depth/Special Teams
White - Depth/Inactive
Ivie - First team all rookie, pro bowl, all pro
Brown - Depth/Inactive
Carrell - Practice Squad

 

[haleyrules]

Expectations are always too high in the off season. Slow start and a strong finish to the season. Can not expect rookies to come in and perform like seasoned veterans. There are only so many Prescotts and Elliotts every generation. This defense will take some time. Be prepared for a tough start.

 

[Bullflop]

Taco is physically very similar to Greg Hardy who was the best RDE that they've had in the Marinelli era.

I think everyone wants an RDE to be built like Von Miller.

If only a team can manage to implement their talent where they best perform, so many issues can be resolved. I think the Cowboys are facing that dilemma with several this year that could make a great difference in how the team responds. I don't expect anyone to be the likes of Von Miller with the Cowboys this year, however -- those types are altogether too rare.

I'm not 100% convinced there's a realistically close comparison between Taco and Hardy, however, although I'm extremely hopeful that the staff will find out about that soon enough. If there truly is, that'll be fine. I do believe Damontre Moore is solidly in the mix to compete for that RDE spot. Let's just hope the decision rendered is one that finds the best chance for success.

To be totally fair to Taco, he's just a rookie at this point who will require time and patience to prove himself. It's entirely possible that Taco could be rotated with Moore at times this year to keep both of them fresh and rushing the passer with maximum effectiveness. Just saying it's a possibility and not necessarily a prediction by any means. I believe the team's chances for improving their pass rush is encouraging.

 

[DFWJC]

Switzer will be the best pick in the class.

I'm gong to say 1200 yards and 14 total TDs with 6 of them being punt returns

The NFL record is 4.
Not for rookies...for anyone.
Just sayin'

 

[phildadon86]

I think you watched the TV broadcast, not game film.

I watched all of his snaps for last season. I don't see a slow first step. I see a Greg Hardy type first step.

Thats what I see as well. He compares well to Hardy except hes not insane