NFL Rookies Who Already Look Like Draft-Day Steals

[plasticman]

I think it's healthier to give these rookies a two year window for playing in regular season games.

When was the last time the Cowboys started the season with all the rookies projected to be on the team?

Last season, we knew about Jaylon Smith, but Tapper?

The year before it was Chaz Green. Every season I think almost every team loses a rookie, it's like freakin' Russian Roulette. That's why I don't want to get too excited about any particular rookie.

 

[Verdict]

If Dak keeps improving and being a model pro his next contract will dwarf Carr's.

Unless he takes a friendly deal. Then his legend would only compound.

I don't understand why QBs don't take a little less than what they are entitled to to win a few SBs, like Brady has done. Winning SBs drives endorsement income through the roof. It would be far more than they could earn on the field.

 

[Verdict]

Taco is the type of guy that isn't going to look particularly good in OTA's and minicamps. I know they say it is difficult to tell about the OL and the DL when they're not in pads but that doesn't adequately describe Charlton's situation.

First off, I don't trust the media to watch practice and actually know what they're seeing. They'll pick out the INT's and TD's just like anyone would... but as far as line play, I just don't think they really know what they're looking at beyond just flash.

Which leads me back to Charlton. He isn't one of the small, quick edge rushers that you can see running around the tackle, even in shorts. No, Taco's game is going to be strength, length, leverage, and smarts. What he does so well are all of the things that he can't really do until the pads come on. He's a physical guy who, while he is really quick for his big size, simply isn't going to win with speed. He'll win with strength and leverage along with his pretty good quickness.

That isn't anything to be down on Charlton about either. Plenty of great pass rushers used length and strength way more than speed to get there. Reggie White, Mike Strahan, Bruce Smith, Too Tall Jones, Harvey Martin... and plenty of others. The way Von Miller and Reggie White got to the QB is completely different, but both ways ended up with sacks.

I'm not saying Taco will be great or anything... I'm just saying that he was never going to stand out in OTA's with his skillset. And I'm saying that skillset is a good one to have when playing DE. Will he be great or not? I don't know... that is up to Taco and the coaches.

I'm not sold on Taco at all as being a pass rusher but I don't think he will be a complete bust. I see him as a left DE who is strong setting the edge and an above average (maybe even elite) run defender. He will get a few opportunistic (coverage) sacks and be a solid player for us. Anything more than that will be a bonus. I just don't see it.

 

[Oh_Canada]

Was really hoping Godwin landed in Dallas, but Switz is a great consolation.

 

[AsthmaField]

I'm not sold on Taco at all as being a pass rusher but I don't think he will be a complete bust. I see him as a left DE who is strong setting the edge and an above average (maybe even elite) run defender. He will get a few opportunistic (coverage) sacks and be a solid player for us. Anything more than that will be a bonus. I just don't see it.

I see him pretty similarly although his length and athleticism gives him a chance to being better getting to the QB than either of us are thinking.

I don't think he'll bust and he will at least be a solid part of the rotation. He could be more, although I don't expect it.