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Why The Past Two Drafts Could Change Everything For The Dallas Cowboys
http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2016...ould-change-everything-for-the-dallas-cowboys
We generally try to stay away from hyperbole here at BTB. Most of the time things fall short, never living up to grand pronouncements. But, for argument's sake, let's take a look at what could happen if five rookies picked up during the past two draft weekends (2015, 2016) pan out. It's a great dream, but it's actually not too far-fetched.
Over the past two drafts, including the UDFA signing period immediately following the drafts, the Dallas Cowboys have managed to get five first-round quality players while only owning two first-round picks. Just think about that for a moment. With only two first-round picks, Dallas has gotten Byron Jones, Randy Gregory, La'el Collins, Ezekiel Elliot and Jaylon Smith. The cynic would say, yeah, but a couple of those guys come with huge red flags. Agreed, there is no denying that the Cowboys took a few risks, and that could really end up hurting them if they don't work out. But at the same time, just imagine if they do work out. The Cowboys future over the next decade could be defined by the moves made over the past two drafts.
The Safe Bets
Byron Jones - The Cowboys picked up corner/safety hybrid Byron Jones about where he was expected to go in the 2015 draft, in the late first round. Whether he was a corner or a safety was somewhat of an issue, something the Cowboys used to their advantage in 2015 when they played him in both spots. Now, the want him to be the back-end safety, the quarterback in the backfield, and Jones' qualities - intelligence, size, instincts and unmatched athleticism seem to be perfect for the role. How good he will be we don't know yet, but it's a safe bet to say that he will be the starter at safety for quite a while.
La'el Collins - One of the most unfortunate stories in draft history. Because of something he had nothing to do with, he went from a middle first-round talent to an UDFA. He was one of the top-rated linemen in his draft, but the Cowboys ended up signing him as an UDFA. Now, the former college offensive tackle has been kicked inside to guard, where many experts thought he should play. He's a brutal run-blocker and has already made the highlight films with his pancake blocks. He'll only get better, adding to the Cowboys already potent offensive line. Another sure-starter for Dallas.
Ezekiel Elliott - Placing him in the safe bet category is putting the cart in front of the horse, but it's really difficult for anybody to find anyway Elliott doesn't become a star running behind the Cowboys offensive line. He was consistently rated as the top back in the 2016 draft and a Top-10 talent. He's one of the most well-rounded backs to come out in a long time (running, catching, blocking) and he has a nose for the endzone. You can expect Elliott to be the starter in Dallas through his first contract, at least.
These three aren't just starters, they have the potential to be very good to dominant. If that was all the Cowboys walked away with for their two first-round picks in 2015/2016, that would be called a success...
http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2016...ould-change-everything-for-the-dallas-cowboys
We generally try to stay away from hyperbole here at BTB. Most of the time things fall short, never living up to grand pronouncements. But, for argument's sake, let's take a look at what could happen if five rookies picked up during the past two draft weekends (2015, 2016) pan out. It's a great dream, but it's actually not too far-fetched.
Over the past two drafts, including the UDFA signing period immediately following the drafts, the Dallas Cowboys have managed to get five first-round quality players while only owning two first-round picks. Just think about that for a moment. With only two first-round picks, Dallas has gotten Byron Jones, Randy Gregory, La'el Collins, Ezekiel Elliot and Jaylon Smith. The cynic would say, yeah, but a couple of those guys come with huge red flags. Agreed, there is no denying that the Cowboys took a few risks, and that could really end up hurting them if they don't work out. But at the same time, just imagine if they do work out. The Cowboys future over the next decade could be defined by the moves made over the past two drafts.
The Safe Bets
Byron Jones - The Cowboys picked up corner/safety hybrid Byron Jones about where he was expected to go in the 2015 draft, in the late first round. Whether he was a corner or a safety was somewhat of an issue, something the Cowboys used to their advantage in 2015 when they played him in both spots. Now, the want him to be the back-end safety, the quarterback in the backfield, and Jones' qualities - intelligence, size, instincts and unmatched athleticism seem to be perfect for the role. How good he will be we don't know yet, but it's a safe bet to say that he will be the starter at safety for quite a while.
La'el Collins - One of the most unfortunate stories in draft history. Because of something he had nothing to do with, he went from a middle first-round talent to an UDFA. He was one of the top-rated linemen in his draft, but the Cowboys ended up signing him as an UDFA. Now, the former college offensive tackle has been kicked inside to guard, where many experts thought he should play. He's a brutal run-blocker and has already made the highlight films with his pancake blocks. He'll only get better, adding to the Cowboys already potent offensive line. Another sure-starter for Dallas.
Ezekiel Elliott - Placing him in the safe bet category is putting the cart in front of the horse, but it's really difficult for anybody to find anyway Elliott doesn't become a star running behind the Cowboys offensive line. He was consistently rated as the top back in the 2016 draft and a Top-10 talent. He's one of the most well-rounded backs to come out in a long time (running, catching, blocking) and he has a nose for the endzone. You can expect Elliott to be the starter in Dallas through his first contract, at least.
These three aren't just starters, they have the potential to be very good to dominant. If that was all the Cowboys walked away with for their two first-round picks in 2015/2016, that would be called a success...
