Jumbo075
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I'm often reminded of two absolutely terrible drafts: The 1995 (we are drafting for backup players) draft, and the 2009 (we are drafting for special teams) draft. Teams must ALWAYS draft for starters, and then let the chips fall where they may. That's how you get to the point of having to cut really good prospects - because the competition is so good. That is how you constantly challenge veterans.It has IMO been a very good change to see this FO go from constantly chirping “we like our guys” to “we are always looking to get better at every position”. Better late than never.
Just for example: The Cowboys traded a 1st round pick for Amari Cooper. But instead sitting back, they also spent another 1st round pick on CeeDee Lamb, who has proven to be an even better WR than Cooper. They spent another 3rd round pick last year on a WR2 prospect (Tolbert) to challenge the guy they'd just signed to a big $60M extension (Gallup.) This year, they traded for Lance, even though Dak is entrenched at starter. They keep drafting players to challenge Lawrence. 3/5ths of the Oline is brand new. The entire secondary is new, and very deep - all in the last 3 seasons. They've drafted Parsons, Cox, Harper, Clark, and Overshown to play to positions of LB - when they already had a Pro Bowl MLB in Vander Esch. Cox was cut when he didn't measure up. Joseph was traded away. They signed Hankins, and then drafted Mazi to replace him. Schultz was allowed to walk, and the Cowboys have 3 new TE's signed or drafted in the last 16 months to replace him. Push, Push, Push. Will Grier had a great final game for the Cowboys. They cut him anyways because they have even better players on the roster. That is just freaking awesome!
There is a constant push to create real competition with real consequences for those who don't measure up. The combination of McCarthy and Quinn has transformed the team and the franchise. The mind-set is different. No more complacency.