The NFL is a fickle beast. Just when a player thinks he is at the top of this game and can finally feel secure about their job status, their respective team goes out and drafts their eventual replacement. That could possibly be the situation Cole Beasley finds himself in after the Dallas Cowboys drafted wide receiver Ryan Switzer in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Now, before any of you start thinking I'm trying to send Beasley packing, let me tell you that I'm a huge #11 fan and would hate for him to suit up for any other team than the Dallas Cowboys. But, with his heir apparent possibly waiting in the wings, Beasley could be at risk of losing his job.
In the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft the Dallas Cowboys selected Ryan Switzer, another diminutive wide receiver whose game and skill set is very similar to Cole Beasley's. It was an odd selection at the time, which is why it started to cast little doubt about Beasley's future, at least in my mind.
Cole Beasley has served as the Dallas Cowboys slot receiver and occasional punt returner since joining the organization as an undrafted free agent in 2012. His role has continued to increase year after year and he has now developed into one of the best slot receivers in the entire NFL.
Ryan Switzer will definitely have his work cut out for him if he is going to unseat an established veteran player like Cole Beasley, especially since #11 already has a strong bond with his QB and the trust of the coaching staff. But, it's not unthinkable that it could end up happening.
If that is indeed what happens and Switzer comes in and is just as good, if not better than Beasley, would the Cowboys considered keeping both WRs?
I personally don't think the Dallas Cowboys would have drafted Ryan Switzer if they didn't have a clear idea of how to get both him and Beasley involved on offense. I actually would love to see offensive coordinator Scott Linehan spread things out with Dez Bryant/Cole Beasley on one side and Terrance Williams/Ryan Switzer on the other. The thought actually makes me a little giddy of how dangerous the offense could be in 2017.
Just imagine how much more potent the running game will be with an extra defender having to move out to cover Beasley/Switzer in the slot and with Bryant/Williams working the outside. Scary right? But, the running game wouldn't be the only thing to improve. Having two shifty slot receivers would also give Dak Prescott more reliable underneath targets to get rid of the ball quickly, opening up the entire passing game.
I don't envision Cole Beasley going anywhere anytime soon, because I believe he and Ryan Switzer can coexist on offense and make this team better. But, if a team were to call and make an offer for Beasley the Dallas Cowboys can't pass up, I could see a scenario where they make a deal.
I don't know about you, but I'm really excited about the addition of Ryan Switzer and how Scott Linehan will get him and Cole Beasley involved on offense.
