I’m trying to figure out in my own mind whether or not it is starting to feel like the Amari Cooper for a first-round pick trade by the Cowboys was, if we’re measuring only on results thus far in the season and not necessarily process, not egregious.
While my stated belief is that Amari Cooper has been bad for the last few years and is not a first-round talent, there is no doubt he has really helped the Cowboys offense to look a lot more functional and actually good at times. It is not yet proven in Dallas that he can thrive versus tough corners as he was generally not able to do in Oakland, but there is no doubt that he has boosted the offense, which, in turn, has led directly to game-winning performances from the offense. It also looks like Jason Garrett’s job is saved, which is probably seen as the downside of a mixed blessing among most fans.
I’m not saying Amari has caused the wins but his effect on the offense has seemingly helped (THUS FAR) with opening up Zeke and Gallup, etc. And if his effect has been partially responsible for 2 wins or so this season thus far, I just got to wondering what that is worth in the terms of one year’s NFL Draft capital. My initial thought is still that a first is too much for Cooper, especially if you’re going to have to pay him $16M+ Per on a risky multi year deal after this season, but if you’re Jerry - and you honestly believe your team has a window right now - then it’s starting to look at least OK. If I think I’m in win-now mode, a player’s presence having a seemingly strong correlation with 2-3 extra wins on the season feels like it should be worth something close .. but a first?
The other fact is, that first is looking like a less and less valuable one at this point as DAL moves up on the NFC East in the playoff race.
While my stated belief is that Amari Cooper has been bad for the last few years and is not a first-round talent, there is no doubt he has really helped the Cowboys offense to look a lot more functional and actually good at times. It is not yet proven in Dallas that he can thrive versus tough corners as he was generally not able to do in Oakland, but there is no doubt that he has boosted the offense, which, in turn, has led directly to game-winning performances from the offense. It also looks like Jason Garrett’s job is saved, which is probably seen as the downside of a mixed blessing among most fans.
I’m not saying Amari has caused the wins but his effect on the offense has seemingly helped (THUS FAR) with opening up Zeke and Gallup, etc. And if his effect has been partially responsible for 2 wins or so this season thus far, I just got to wondering what that is worth in the terms of one year’s NFL Draft capital. My initial thought is still that a first is too much for Cooper, especially if you’re going to have to pay him $16M+ Per on a risky multi year deal after this season, but if you’re Jerry - and you honestly believe your team has a window right now - then it’s starting to look at least OK. If I think I’m in win-now mode, a player’s presence having a seemingly strong correlation with 2-3 extra wins on the season feels like it should be worth something close .. but a first?
The other fact is, that first is looking like a less and less valuable one at this point as DAL moves up on the NFC East in the playoff race.
