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.
I don’t think Beasley is in jeopardy at all. The one in jeopardy is Lucky. I think they had a very clear idea in their head on how they would put both Switz and Beas on the field at the same time and the thought of that is awesome! I think it will give defenses nightmares. As good a runner/receiver as Zeke is with both of those two and Dez and either Witten or Twill or even Brown lined up I think it will be very difficult to anticipate what is coming at them.
Randy, I completely agree with everything you said. However, I also think Beasley could be one of the few players they could use to trade in order to upgrade another position. I would hate to see it, but with Switzer now on board it does make him expendable to the point where it wouldn’t hurt the offense any.
Beasley isn’t just a piece, though. He is arguably Prescott’s favorite WR and security blanket, more so than Jason Witten. Switzer needs more than an offseason to prove he can fill those shoes.
I completely agree. I’m in no way saying that Switzer is as good as Beasley, but if he turns out to be as a rookie, it could make things interesting.
I would be shocked to see Beas traded. Not only is he a fan favorite, He is his QB’s favorite, and an essential piece of this offense. Let’s see what Switzer brings to the party before we “toss the Sauce.” If Switz ends up being what we hope he is, I’m more excited about an offense with both guys on the field than a “best man wins” scenario. Like I said, he is Lucky’s replacement, not Beasley’s.
I agree. I think offense can be really creative with Switzer and Beasley on the field at the same time. I like thinking outside the box, even though I would hate to see Beasley play somewhere else.
I hope Beasley is not traded. The guy is a GREAT at his job and I think we need him …
This is one of those hypothetical questions. It’s not a real question It’s something to just get us thinking while we’re in the off season bored. Switzer and Brown were drafted to replace Whitehead and Butler That’s simple Every small white receiver is compared to Cole Beasley or Julian Edelman That’s the only reason why this is even a discussion. Cole Beasley had his best season ever last season Why would he be replaced ??Really??
I don’t apply to the idea that Switzer was drafted to replace Whitehead. I don’t think Lucky was going to make the roster to begin with. If the Cowboys didn’t draft a receiver I think he would’ve been beaten out by Andy Jones. Switzer will eventually be Beasley’s replacement, but probably only after 11’s contract expires. Switzer and Beasley could make this offense really exciting to watch in 2017.
if Switzer makes 53, then it gives OC lots of flex on game day using 10 personnel. I see Lucky being the odd man out if Switzer makes 53. Hope Switzer can run those jet sweeps well
Tom, I think were going to see the 10 personnel more in 2017. I think that’s what they had in mind when they drafted Switzer in the first place.
I had the privilege of being at training camp in Oxnard one day last summer and saw up close how fierce Beasley is. They were having one-on-one drills and he beat out his defender(that was a good bit bigger than him)every time! I became a fan of his that day!
Beasley is basically unrecoverable, which is why he has become such a mismatch problem for opposing defenses around the league. If Ryan Switzer can become that kind of player, the Cowboys have just made their already potent offense even more dangerous. I’m really looking forward to seeing how all of this shakes out.
I feel the same way Randy…And after Lucky pulled that Stunt during regular Season. And then they drafted Switzer , that spelt the end of LUCKY..
As much as I like Switzer, the only way they trade Beasley is if someone offers them a “JUICY” deal, which I don’t see happening. I see Switzer as a “COMPLEMENT” to Beasley, not his “REPLACEMENT” (unless Beasley gets hurt, then they can keep that “SAME” part of their offense going), even when his contract expires (unless the numbers get too crazy). Here’s the thing for me. You’re not going to be winning any Super Bowls if all you keep doing is “SWAPPING” out players at the same position constantly. As a Cowboys fan living in San Diego, I just laugh when I hear Charger fans hyping up draft picks, which some of them are potentially good. The problem is, they already had a good/great player at that spot, so all they are doing is running on the treadmill “SWAPPING” player out for player and never getting close to a Super Bowl. They can make great use of 10 personnel packages (and if Linehan was smart, he would’ve been drawing up plays as soon as they drafted him). Beasley is just starting to really excel (despite a few too many drops for my taste, but he’s gotten better) plus he has great chemistry with Dak. Why would they want to get rid of that? That would be going backwards or on the treadmill like the Chargers. You don’t want that. Switzer is quicker than hiccup. With him and Beasley and if they can get one of their other receivers to “TAKE THE TOP OFF” the defense consistently and get consistent separation “DOWN THE FIELD” (or find one), then their offense will be set (once they get RT and LG worked out). Do something with the secondary and pass-rush, then they’re set.