Re-grading the Dallas Cowboys 2017 draft: Looking back
Round 4, Pick #133- Ryan Switzer
Ryan Switzer was drafted out of the University of North Carolina. He was a smallish receiver who didn’t have off-the-wall athletic testing.
But what he needed in size and straight-line testing, he had running back-like skills that needed to be utilized more.
He was a different type of player and offered an extra dimension to the receiver group, already loaded with Dez Bryant, Terrance Williams, and Cole Beasley.
His rookie season was mainly focused on making an impact on special teams. He had pretty pedestrian numbers as a receiver, but he recorded an 83-yard punt return for a touchdown against the Washington Commanders.
Throw in another 61-yard kick return, and he was well on his way to providing the Dallas front office right in this selection.
But, Dallas, in good Cowboys’ fashion, was trying to address a need at the 3-technique by sending Switzer to the then Oakland Raiders for Jihad Ward.
I’m not in the business of giving incompletes, even though it feels like the story of Ryan Switzer was still being told when the trade transaction occurred.
He could have been the replacement for Beasley when he eventually departed Dallas two seasons later.
However, Dallas chose to give up on a draft pick before the conclusion of his rookie season. The low grade isn’t indicative of Ryan Switzer’s talent. It’s more about the Cowboys’ poor use of resources. He was a good pick, but once again some sunk opportunity costs.