Dallas Cowboys Draft: 5 players worth trading up for
By Reid Hanson
Deebo Samuel, WR
This draft, like last year’s draft, is rich and deep in WR talent, so it makes little sense to stretch for one early. But this move is about winning – not value.
The NFL is a passing league. Anyone who says otherwise is mad. Passing the ball effectively is the easiest way to win in the NFL and more often than not, it’s the key to winning.
And the thing you are all waiting for:
— Kostas Pelechrinis (@kpelechrinis) September 15, 2018
Passing efficiency (offensive and defensive) explains 55%-64% of the win-loss record variance. Rushing efficiency explains 5%-12%, while special teams (both kickoffs and punts) explains less than 2% of the win-loss variance.
So why do the Dallas Cowboys run the ball so dang much? That’s a topic for a different day…
The Dallas Cowboys are returning a top-10 defense this season. They should improve but considering how good they already were, how much can they really move up? The Cowboys are returning a top-5 rushing offense. For the same reasons above, how much can they really improve when they’re so close to the top?
But the passing game was only average, therefore they have the most room for improvement. We saw them take a significant step up last season when they added Amari Cooper to the equation. It stands to reason, more weapons = more offensive production.
Deebo Samuel is weapon that improves them right now. Cowboys Nation loves them some Deebo and for good reason. He’s an instant plug-and-play weapon for a team that just lost Cole Beasley. Sure, Randell Cobb will alleviate some of that loss, but with uncertain health and a short-term deal, he’s not someone that should factor into this decision at all.