A third-round receiver winning Offensive Rookie of the Year sounds pretty unlikely in paper, but that didn't stop one national media analyst from predicting it. Best of all, the Dallas Cowboys' Michael Gallup was the honoree.
#Cowboys WR Michael Gallup is my top pick for Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2018 https://t.co/iU6w4yqK7H
— Chris Trapasso 🏈 (@ChrisTrapasso) May 16, 2018
Trapasso's belief is that Gallup, who he called a “first-round caliber” player, will benefit from attention payed to veteran Allen Hurns and have lots of opportunities to succeed. He's clearly a big fan of the rookie, which is wonderful to hear.
While we Cowboys fans love this idea, we also know our team better than many national “experts.” In this case, Trapasso's lack of familiarity with the Dallas roster is evident.
Yes, Hurns may be the go-to receiver in 2018. But he doesn't even mention Cole Beasley, a favorite target of Dak Prescott and more likely to get targets than Gallup. There's also Terrance Williams, who still factors into this discussion even if you don't want him to.
What's more, Gallup didn't join the New Orleans Saints. He's with the run-first Cowboys, who will likely be giving Ezekel Elliott every carry he can handle this season.
Not only does Dallas' old school approach makes it much tougher for Gallup, but history also isn't on his side.
In the last 20 years, only four receivers have won Offensive Rookie of the Year: Randy Moss, Anquan Boldin, Percy Harvin, and Odell Beckham Jr. All of them were first-round picks except Boldin, who went in the second round.
There is lots of competition for the award in 2018, too. You have several first-round quarterbacks, Saquon Barkley as the new starting running back for the Giants, Receiver DJ Moore walking into a big role in Carolina, plus Calvin Ridley joining the pass-happy Falcons.
So yes, we love Chris Trapasso for giving Michael Gallup praise. But I wouldn't put any money on his prediction.
Of course, I hope he's right and I'm wrong.
