We Dodged a Bullet on Draft Day

[Oh_Canada]

Don't get the Pumphrey love. He is way too slender and not explosive enough to make up for it.

I'll take Switzer all day, every day.

 

[JoeKing]

Ugh, no. That's just flat-out false.

Switzer is a proven punt returner and receiver.

Pumphrey was a college running back that doesn't project to be anything more than a scat back and has virtually no special teams experience.

I highly doubt the Cowboys will be lining up Switzer in the backfield to pick up the blitz. The only thing he'd be potentially doing as it relates to Dunbar's former role is theoretically take up his receiving role on obvious passing downs.

Thank you for the correction. I was thinking Pump was drafted to be a slot reciever and ST player too.

Oh wait... he was.
http://www.nj.com/eagles/index.ssf/2017/05/is_donnel_pumphreys_long-term_role_as_eagles_slot.html

 

[CalPolyTechnique]

Thank you for the correction. I was thinking Pump was drafted to be a slot reciever and ST player too.

Oh wait... he was.
http://www.nj.com/eagles/index.ssf/2017/05/is_donnel_pumphreys_long-term_role_as_eagles_slot.html

SMH, maybe you should try reading the actual content of the article before sourcing it as some sort of evidence?

His role hasn't been defined which is exactly what the question mark in the title "Is Donnel Pumphrey's long-term role as Eagles' slot WR?" is indicating.

The basis of the article is not from any insider on the Eagles staff, but Daniel Jerimiah simply speculating on how he'll be used: "If I had to guess, you'll see [Pumphrey] major in the slot [...]"

Original apology accepted.

 

[Texas_Pete]

The post-draft scuttlebutt confirmed we we're looking to draft diminutive San Diego State RB Donnel Pumphrey. While I trust in McClay, I have to say, I think we dodged a bullet in him not be available for us to draft.

Over on the draft forum in the months leading up to the draft I mentioned it more than a few times but I don't see Pumphrey's utility, at least on this team, assuming we planned on using him in Lance Dunbar's role.

Think of how many times last year we collectively shook our heads wondering why we'd pull Zeke, a good pass-catcher and our best blocker, only to stick Dunbar (5'-8", 205 lbs) in on 3rd downs and have him stay-in to pass block. So the plan was to insert the 5'-8" 176 lbs Pumphrey into that role?

But he'd instantly be our KR/PR you say?

Total projection.

Pumphrey had a grand total of 5 kick returns in his four year career at SDU (for a 13.8 average BTW). Even less, he had ZERO punt returns during his college career.

Give me the guy in Switzer that has proven himself as a punt returner (7 return TDs) and as a receiver (243 receptions) over the projection guy.

The Eagirls are obsessed with us. Maybe our "interest" in this guy was made known intentionally so that they trade valuable assets to move up to get him?

Switzer is way more valuable to us than Pumphrey would have been. We are much better off. I bet Dak is extremely happy we have Switzer.

 

[JoeKing]

SMH, maybe you should try reading the actual content of the article before sourcing it as some sort of evidence?

His role hasn't been defined which is exactly what the question mark in the title "Is Donnel Pumphrey's long-term role as Eagles' slot WR?" is indicating.

The basis of the article is not from any insider on the Eagles staff, but Daniel Jerimiah simply speculating on how he'll be used: "If I had to guess, you'll see [Pumphrey] major in the slot [...]"

Original apology accepted.

Pump will be Darren Sproel's replacement once he's gone. Until then he won't have much of a role on the field unless they make room for him as a slot WR.

 

[dallasdave]

The post-draft scuttlebutt confirmed we we're looking to draft diminutive San Diego State RB Donnel Pumphrey. While I trust in McClay, I have to say, I think we dodged a bullet in him not be available for us to draft.

Over on the draft forum in the months leading up to the draft I mentioned it more than a few times but I don't see Pumphrey's utility, at least on this team, assuming we planned on using him in Lance Dunbar's role.

Think of how many times last year we collectively shook our heads wondering why we'd pull Zeke, a good pass-catcher and our best blocker, only to stick Dunbar (5'-8", 205 lbs) in on 3rd downs and have him stay-in to pass block. So the plan was to insert the 5'-8" 176 lbs Pumphrey into that role?

But he'd instantly be our KR/PR you say?

Total projection.

Pumphrey had a grand total of 5 kick returns in his four year career at SDU (for a 13.8 average BTW). Even less, he had ZERO punt returns during his college career.

Give me the guy in Switzer that has proven himself as a punt returner (7 return TDs) and as a receiver (243 receptions) over the projection guy.

Great post

 

[Typhus]

Full disclosure: Switzer wasn't even on my radar but after acquainting myself with his college career I'm thrilled with the pick. Pump I was familiar with but I don't see him as any better than Switzer.

He was a Trubisky target machine, without checking for verification, I believe Switz had around 96 receptions in that offense.
I was surprised that the Bears didn't value Switzer more, the chemistry between those 2 would be worth at least a 4th.

 

[JoeKing]

He was a Trubisky target machine, without checking for verification, I believe Switz had around 96 receptions in that offense.
I was surprised that the Bears didn't value Switzer more, the chemistry between those 2 would be worth at least a 4th.

I've given this some thought and I think it was Switzer that elevated Trubisky's value as QB. I'm hoping Dak and Switzer can quickly get on that same page.

 

[Plankton]

The bigger reason to be happy that Pumphrey is not a Cowboy is that he had nearly 1200 touches in college. If he were Zeke Elliott's size, it would be a concern. At Pumphrey's size, or lack thereof, it's safe to say that he left most of his tread on college fields.

As a point of reference, Elliott came to the Cowboys having touched the ball 650 times. Emmitt Smith had 760 touches at Florida.

 

[kevm3]

The guy might do things in the league, but the last thing I want is a mini/finesse back in on 3rd downs, especially 3rd and shorts.

 

[Verdict]

The thread title makes it seem as if something happened to prove that he would have been a bad pick.

In reality, you're just proclaiming that your pre-draft opinion is now true despite no evidence presented.

Samaje Perine would have been my preference. He is indeed a muscle hamster.

Perine won't hit many home runs but i think he will be a very reliable chain mover. I think he should be moved to fullback in the NFL and let him run with the ball.

 

[GhostOfPelluer]

Yeah, this guy is nothing like Sproles. He's not even as big (thick) as Meggett. But he did rush for more yards than anybody in NCAA D-1 history, so he has that going for him.

I don't think there has been a comparable player in the league with Pumphrey's size and skill set. He's actually a better runner than Dunbar ever was. I'm fine with Switzer given our needs and the role he fills, but I would like to see what Pumphrey can do and certainly wouldn't characterize his pick as a bust just yet.

 

[NorthTexan95]

I like Switzer much better than Pumphrey. Pumphrey is another Lance Dunbar who we never found a way to consistently use. Switzer is a proven receiver, a true backup for Beasley, and could fill in for other receiver spots at times. Switzer at this time is the much better receiver and a better fit for our offense.

One note: I too am disappointed when Zek is taken off the field on third down but then consider how many times he touches the ball during a game. He needs to come at times and 3rd down, if you have another option, is a good time to shave off a few snaps.

 

[Verdict]

I like Switzer much better than Pumphrey. Pumphrey is another Lance Dunbar who we never found a way to consistently use. Switzer is a proven receiver, a true backup for Beasley, and could fill in for other receiver spots at times. Switzer at this time is the much better receiver and a better fit for our offense.

One note: I too am disappointed when Zek is taken off the field on third down but then consider how many times he touches the ball during a game. He needs to come at times and 3rd down, if you have another option, is a good time to shave off a few snaps.

There is no doubt he cant carry the rock every time. However it was frustrating as hell to watch us go 3 and out far too many times when Zeke left the game. I really think we should have taken Mixon in the first round. He would have enabled us to save Zeke from overuse, and not miss a beat when Zeke left the field.

It wouodbhave also been very valuable insurance in case of an injury to Zeke. It would have also have helped ease the transition if we chose to move on from Zeke if someone tries to sign him for two first round picks. He will get paid absurd money on his second contract IF he stays healthy.

 

[tyke1doe]

He was a Trubisky target machine, without checking for verification, I believe Switz had around 96 receptions in that offense.
I was surprised that the Bears didn't value Switzer more, the chemistry between those 2 would be worth at least a 4th.

Good observation. I guess they've had their full of Tom Waddles.

 

[Typhus]

Good observation. I guess they've had their full of Tom Waddles.

ya, your probably right..