Wait and See

[jday]

Disclaimer: This admittedly a tad bit late...


If we could collectively press the skip button on all the conversations, debates and down-right nasty arguments for and against the acquisition of Amari Cooper, at some point someone is going to point out that all we can do is Wait & See. Like many of you, I’m divided…and I go back and forth like the pixelated ball in Pong.


On one hand, the Cowboys get a player young enough to be a rookie who just so happens to already have 2 Pro Bowls to his credit in his relatively short career…so as first round Wide Receivers go, this is as sure of a thing as you could possibly ask for in a draft. On the other hand, most agree the Cowboys overpaid, sending a 1st round pick for a player who hasn’t lived up to expectations as of late in a “what have you done for me lately” league.


On Amari’s resume and film reviews you will see relatively equal measures of good and bad: great route runner vs suspect hands, great speed but he can be removed from the play by good press corners. Can take it to the house from just about anywhere on the field but there have been questions about his commitment to the game. He becomes a running back with the ball in his hands with exceptional stop-start quickness for a player his size, but is not the selfless run-blocker the Cowboys typically demand.


Admittedly, at the outset of the news, I hated the move; rarely will you ever see me be on board with sending a 2nd round pick or higher to another team for any reason. The NFL Draft is a sacred holiday to me and the first round is clearly the best part about it: that’s where your team finds the difference maker.


That said, I’m not sure you could ask for a better “difference maker” than what Amari potentially represents to the Cowboys. Just by merely lining up on the outside, his presence could very easily open up things for everyone in that offense. If the oppositions defense is committed to shutting down Zeke (which will be business as usual until Amari’s performance recommends a different approach from the opposition), Amari should have ample opportunities to establish himself as a dangerous down-the-field weapon. And if/when that happens, everyone on the Cowboys offensive side of the ball wins. And if that happens, that first round pick was draft capital well spent.


So…


With their first pick of the 2019 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys select Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama. For now, the best part of this is instead of having to wait until August 2019 to unwrap the gift from football Christmas, we only have to wait 2 weeks…


Thoughts?

 

[Sydla]

People are overvaluing Cooper and his effect just by lining up as if he's Julio Jones or Antonio Bryant or AJ Green out there. I suspect most DCs we face won't fear him like that until he PROVES he's that kind of guy that can open up everyone else just by standing on the field. Maybe he will end up eventually being that type, but until he shows he's the guy from his rookie year as opposed to the one we've seen recently, I think we may be overestimating his overall effect once he hits the field. Further, it's not necessarily the WRs as to why teams focus on stopping Zeke. It's also the guy delivering the ball. So until Dak can prove otherwise, we may still see stacked fronts at times for the time being.

It's another reason why I think the price paid was too high. You didn't get a sure fire Julio Jones here. You hope he can be that guy but I am not sure he is. Hence, a 1st rounder for him is an overpay.

 

[Falco78]

I am hoping he pans out for us, wait and see indeed...

 

[Doomsday101]

Disclaimer: This admittedly a tad bit late...


If we could collectively press the skip button on all the conversations, debates and down-right nasty arguments for and against the acquisition of Amari Cooper, at some point someone is going to point out that all we can do is Wait & See. Like many of you, I’m divided…and I go back and forth like the pixelated ball in Pong.


On one hand, the Cowboys get a player young enough to be a rookie who just so happens to already have 2 Pro Bowls to his credit in his relatively short career…so as first round Wide Receivers go, this is as sure of a thing as you could possibly ask for in a draft. On the other hand, most agree the Cowboys overpaid, sending a 1st round pick for a player who hasn’t lived up to expectations as of late in a “what have you done for me lately” league.


On Amari’s resume and film reviews you will see relatively equal measures of good and bad: great route runner vs suspect hands, great speed but he can be removed from the play by good press corners. Can take it to the house from just about anywhere on the field but there have been questions about his commitment to the game. He becomes a running back with the ball in his hands with exceptional stop-start quickness for a player his size, but is not the selfless run-blocker the Cowboys typically demand.


Admittedly, at the outset of the news, I hated the move; rarely will you ever see me be on board with sending a 2nd round pick or higher to another team for any reason. The NFL Draft is a sacred holiday to me and the first round is clearly the best part about it: that’s where your team finds the difference maker.


That said, I’m not sure you could ask for a better “difference maker” than what Amari potentially represents to the Cowboys. Just by merely lining up on the outside, his presence could very easily open up things for everyone in that offense. If the oppositions defense is committed to shutting down Zeke (which will be business as usual until Amari’s performance recommends a different approach from the opposition), Amari should have ample opportunities to establish himself as a dangerous down-the-field weapon. And if/when that happens, everyone on the Cowboys offensive side of the ball wins. And if that happens, that first round pick was draft capital well spent.


So…


With their first pick of the 2019 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys select Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama. For now, the best part of this is instead of having to wait until August 2019 to unwrap the gift from football Christmas, we only have to wait 2 weeks…


Thoughts?

Very well said and I pretty much share your feelings. I do put a premium on draft picks and so I hated seeing Dallas sending a #1 pick. On the flip side of that what are picks used for? To bring in young talented players who can make an impact on your team. Pick means little if in the end he does not show the ability to impact your team. Will this be a great pick up who alters how defense must defend the Cowboys? Will Zeke benefit because of the outside threat? will other WR benefit because of Cooper? At 24 years old he is no older than many draft picks but already has the experience. If he fails to make a big impact on this team then of course it bad move just like when you pick a player in the 1st and they are no more than a bust

 

[Batman1980]

People are overvaluing Cooper and his effect just by lining up as if he's Julio Jones or Antonio Bryant or AJ Green out there. I suspect most DCs we face won't fear him like that until he PROVES he's that kind of guy that can open up everyone else just by standing on the field. Maybe he will end up eventually being that type, but until he shows he's the guy from his rookie year as opposed to the one we've seen recently, I think we may be overestimating his overall effect once he hits the field. Further, it's not necessarily the WRs as to why teams focus on stopping Zeke. It's also the guy delivering the ball. So until Dak can prove otherwise, we may still see stacked fronts at times for the time being.

It's another reason why I think the price paid was too high. You didn't get a sure fire Julio Jones here. You hope he can be that guy but I am not sure he is. Hence, a 1st rounder for him is an overpay.

Antonio Bryant

 

[LandryFan]

People are overvaluing Cooper and his effect just by lining up as if he's Julio Jones or Antonio Bryant or AJ Green out there. I suspect most DCs we face won't fear him like that until he PROVES he's that kind of guy that can open up everyone else just by standing on the field. Maybe he will end up eventually being that type, but until he shows he's the guy from his rookie year as opposed to the one we've seen recently, I think we may be overestimating his overall effect once he hits the field. Further, it's not necessarily the WRs as to why teams focus on stopping Zeke. It's also the guy delivering the ball. So until Dak can prove otherwise, we may still see stacked fronts at times for the time being.

It's another reason why I think the price paid was too high. You didn't get a sure fire Julio Jones here. You hope he can be that guy but I am not sure he is. Hence, a 1st rounder for him is an overpay.

In fairness, Julio's cost was much more than "just" a first...Atlanta gave two firsts, a second, and two fourths to move up for him. Much more expensive than what JJ gave for AC. Will he be worth that one first? Guess we'll find out fairly quickly.

 

[Praxit]

..I dont think we seen the presence of someone like him since Irvin. He looks to be a cross between Irvin and Fitzgerald. Im excited in the least. He is going to demand attention, >>>>that's what we wanted. Take the pressure off.

 

[jday]

People are overvaluing Cooper and his effect just by lining up as if he's Julio Jones or Antonio Bryant or AJ Green out there. I suspect most DCs we face won't fear him like that until he PROVES he's that kind of guy that can open up everyone else just by standing on the field. Maybe he will end up eventually being that type, but until he shows he's the guy from his rookie year as opposed to the one we've seen recently, I think we may be overestimating his overall effect once he hits the field. Further, it's not necessarily the WRs as to why teams focus on stopping Zeke. It's also the guy delivering the ball. So until Dak can prove otherwise, we may still see stacked fronts at times for the time being.

It's another reason why I think the price paid was too high. You didn't get a sure fire Julio Jones here. You hope he can be that guy but I am not sure he is. Hence, a 1st rounder for him is an overpay.

From OP:

That said, I’m not sure you could ask for a better “difference maker” than what Amari potentially represents to the Cowboys. Just by merely lining up on the outside, his presence could very easily open up things for everyone in that offense. If the oppositions defense is committed to shutting down Zeke (which will be business as usual until Amari’s performance recommends a different approach from the opposition), Amari should have ample opportunities to establish himself as a dangerous down-the-field weapon. And if/when that happens, everyone on the Cowboys offensive side of the ball wins. And if that happens, that first round pick was draft capital well spent.

 

[jday]

Very well said and I pretty much share your feelings. I do put a premium on draft picks and so I hated seeing Dallas sending a #1 pick. On the flip side of that what are picks used for? To bring in young talented players who can make an impact on your team. Pick means little if in the end he does not show the ability to impact your team. Will this be a great pick up who alters how defense must defend the Cowboys? Will Zeke benefit because of the outside threat? will other WR benefit because of Cooper? At 24 years old he is no older than many draft picks but already has the experience. If he fails to make a big impact on this team then of course it bad move just like when you pick a player in the 1st and they are no more than a bust

Yep. This was pretty much the same as drafting him, only the coaches, scouts, organization had far more information to go on than what they would have had in the actual draft.

 

[Praxit]

From OP:

That said, I’m not sure you could ask for a better “difference maker” than what Amari potentially represents to the Cowboys. Just by merely lining up on the outside, his presence could very easily open up things for everyone in that offense. If the oppositions defense is committed to shutting down Zeke (which will be business as usual until Amari’s performance recommends a different approach from the opposition), Amari should have ample opportunities to establish himself as a dangerous down-the-field weapon. And if/when that happens, everyone on the Cowboys offensive side of the ball wins. And if that happens, that first round pick was draft capital well spent.

..Bingo..!! Someone to command attention, other than Dak & Zeke. 5 or 6 guys wont stop Zeke from 5.0 yd avg gain.

 

[Doomsday101]

Yep. This was pretty much the same as drafting him, only the coaches, scouts, organization had far more information to go on than what they would have had in the actual draft.

Exactly. I had someone ask me if Dallas was going to trade a #1 why didn't they do it for Thomas and I replied because he is about to turn 30 and on the tail end side of his career. With Cooper in terms of age he is about the same age as many rookie coming out this year. In terms of contract yes he will be looking to get paid but frankly if he can show a big impact on this team then I see no problem with giving him a contract. Dallas has been very frugal with what they spend in FA and have not pulled any sizable trades in a good while so cap wise this team is in good shape.

 

[OmerV]

People are overvaluing Cooper and his effect just by lining up as if he's Julio Jones or Antonio Bryant or AJ Green out there. I suspect most DCs we face won't fear him like that until he PROVES he's that kind of guy that can open up everyone else just by standing on the field. Maybe he will end up eventually being that type, but until he shows he's the guy from his rookie year as opposed to the one we've seen recently, I think we may be overestimating his overall effect once he hits the field. Further, it's not necessarily the WRs as to why teams focus on stopping Zeke. It's also the guy delivering the ball. So until Dak can prove otherwise, we may still see stacked fronts at times for the time being.

It's another reason why I think the price paid was too high. You didn't get a sure fire Julio Jones here. You hope he can be that guy but I am not sure he is. Hence, a 1st rounder for him is an overpay.

I don't think anyone is valuing him as if he is a Julio Jones or Antonio Bryant. Those guys are the elite of the elite, and a player doesn't have to be at that level to be worthy of a 1st round pick. The odds of using the 1st round pick on someone that reaches that level is miniscule.

But he is clearly better than anyone else we have, and the only chance the Cowboys have for a #1 receiver, and he doesn't carry as much risk as a draft pick who might be anything from a stud to a bust.

All that said, I get the concern over giving up a 1st round pick. My initial reaction was that it was a bad move, and I still have concern about it. But I've also accepted there is a chance this could be a very good move as well. It all depends on how things play out, but there is a reason he was a top 5 draft pick, and he has two 1,000+ yard Pro Bowl seasons out of 3 full seasons, so there is room for optimism.

 

[Toruk_Makto]

Disclaimer: This admittedly a tad bit late...


If we could collectively press the skip button on all the conversations, debates and down-right nasty arguments for and against the acquisition of Amari Cooper, at some point someone is going to point out that all we can do is Wait & See. Like many of you, I’m divided…and I go back and forth like the pixelated ball in Pong.


On one hand, the Cowboys get a player young enough to be a rookie who just so happens to already have 2 Pro Bowls to his credit in his relatively short career…so as first round Wide Receivers go, this is as sure of a thing as you could possibly ask for in a draft. On the other hand, most agree the Cowboys overpaid, sending a 1st round pick for a player who hasn’t lived up to expectations as of late in a “what have you done for me lately” league.


On Amari’s resume and film reviews you will see relatively equal measures of good and bad: great route runner vs suspect hands, great speed but he can be removed from the play by good press corners. Can take it to the house from just about anywhere on the field but there have been questions about his commitment to the game. He becomes a running back with the ball in his hands with exceptional stop-start quickness for a player his size, but is not the selfless run-blocker the Cowboys typically demand.


Admittedly, at the outset of the news, I hated the move; rarely will you ever see me be on board with sending a 2nd round pick or higher to another team for any reason. The NFL Draft is a sacred holiday to me and the first round is clearly the best part about it: that’s where your team finds the difference maker.


That said, I’m not sure you could ask for a better “difference maker” than what Amari potentially represents to the Cowboys. Just by merely lining up on the outside, his presence could very easily open up things for everyone in that offense. If the oppositions defense is committed to shutting down Zeke (which will be business as usual until Amari’s performance recommends a different approach from the opposition), Amari should have ample opportunities to establish himself as a dangerous down-the-field weapon. And if/when that happens, everyone on the Cowboys offensive side of the ball wins. And if that happens, that first round pick was draft capital well spent.


So…


With their first pick of the 2019 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys select Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama. For now, the best part of this is instead of having to wait until August 2019 to unwrap the gift from football Christmas, we only have to wait 2 weeks…


Thoughts?

Hate this young hot take. Yes Ridley. But over half of first rounders drafted last year were 21 years old or younger.

 

[Tarheelcowboy]

You still play one on one defense on the guy with the safety over the top. Nothing changes really

 

[Sydla]

Antonio Bryant

LOL.

I swear I have that slip up like once a week!

 

[jday]

Hate this young hot take. Yes Ridley. But over half of first rounders drafted last year were 21 years old or younger.

The point is, he is in that neighborhood and likely has at the very least 5 years of good production left in him.

 

[Stash]

Disclaimer: This admittedly a tad bit late...


If we could collectively press the skip button on all the conversations, debates and down-right nasty arguments for and against the acquisition of Amari Cooper, at some point someone is going to point out that all we can do is Wait & See. Like many of you, I’m divided…and I go back and forth like the pixelated ball in Pong.


On one hand, the Cowboys get a player young enough to be a rookie who just so happens to already have 2 Pro Bowls to his credit in his relatively short career…so as first round Wide Receivers go, this is as sure of a thing as you could possibly ask for in a draft. On the other hand, most agree the Cowboys overpaid, sending a 1st round pick for a player who hasn’t lived up to expectations as of late in a “what have you done for me lately” league.


On Amari’s resume and film reviews you will see relatively equal measures of good and bad: great route runner vs suspect hands, great speed but he can be removed from the play by good press corners. Can take it to the house from just about anywhere on the field but there have been questions about his commitment to the game. He becomes a running back with the ball in his hands with exceptional stop-start quickness for a player his size, but is not the selfless run-blocker the Cowboys typically demand.


Admittedly, at the outset of the news, I hated the move; rarely will you ever see me be on board with sending a 2nd round pick or higher to another team for any reason. The NFL Draft is a sacred holiday to me and the first round is clearly the best part about it: that’s where your team finds the difference maker.


That said, I’m not sure you could ask for a better “difference maker” than what Amari potentially represents to the Cowboys. Just by merely lining up on the outside, his presence could very easily open up things for everyone in that offense. If the oppositions defense is committed to shutting down Zeke (which will be business as usual until Amari’s performance recommends a different approach from the opposition), Amari should have ample opportunities to establish himself as a dangerous down-the-field weapon. And if/when that happens, everyone on the Cowboys offensive side of the ball wins. And if that happens, that first round pick was draft capital well spent.


So…


With their first pick of the 2019 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys select Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama. For now, the best part of this is instead of having to wait until August 2019 to unwrap the gift from football Christmas, we only have to wait 2 weeks…


Thoughts?

My first thought is that this description overlooks a key component of this deal. That's the fact that the Cowboys don't have a rookie first round pick under contract for five years at a discounted rate. They're currently locked into keeping him for a cost of $14 million for 2019. And we all know that they will then be obligated to pay him top receiver money as well, if for no other reason that to justify using a first round pick for him.

So, as quickly as the team got out from under the Dez Bryant contract, they will now be under an Amari Cooper contract. It's a key aspect of this trade that cannot be overlooked.

 

[Stash]

People are overvaluing Cooper and his effect just by lining up as if he's Julio Jones or Antonio Bryant or AJ Green out there. I suspect most DCs we face won't fear him like that until he PROVES he's that kind of guy that can open up everyone else just by standing on the field. Maybe he will end up eventually being that type, but until he shows he's the guy from his rookie year as opposed to the one we've seen recently, I think we may be overestimating his overall effect once he hits the field. Further, it's not necessarily the WRs as to why teams focus on stopping Zeke. It's also the guy delivering the ball. So until Dak can prove otherwise, we may still see stacked fronts at times for the time being.

It's another reason why I think the price paid was too high. You didn't get a sure fire Julio Jones here. You hope he can be that guy but I am not sure he is. Hence, a 1st rounder for him is an overpay.

One thing it will tell everyone is whether or not Prescott can or will succeed with a #1 receiver. If Dak can't succeed with this guy, then he can't succeed with anybody and it's time to stop with any excuses otherwise.

Nobody can keep blaming it on receiver after receiver after receiver.

And the team will have an "out" for either or both in 2020, if not sooner.

 

[Stash]

Yep. This was pretty much the same as drafting him, only the coaches, scouts, organization had far more information to go on than what they would have had in the actual draft.

Not true. It ignores the salary/contract/cap hit components of the deal. Very real components and factors.

 

[Stash]

The point is, he is in that neighborhood and likely has at the very least 5 years of good production left in him.

Exactly. Age isn't any sort of a negative factor for him.