Ryan Switzer, wide receiver, Dallas Cowboys
Of course the Cowboys drafted the guy whose last name is Switzer (though, no relation to Barry). And based on the early returns, Cole Beasley needs to look over his shoulder.
Ryan Switzer already looks like a plug and play immediately player. Replaced an injured Cole Beasley in practice and caught everything
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) May 24, 2017
Though, based on comments made by head coach Jason Garrett recently, Dallas could feature both receivers on the field at the same time.
“He’s a very good inside receiver as a slot, a lot of the same traits that Cole Beasley has and his ability to get away from people in man-to-man coverage, to find soft spots in zone coverage, very productive, very quarterback-friendly,” Garrett said, per ESPN.com’s Todd Archer. “You can see him playing in Beasley’s role. You can see him playing in an offensive package where both those guys are out on the field at the same time.”
Before he was reeling in Dak Prescott lasers, Switzer was hauling in a high volume of Mitch Trubisky passes at North Carolina. The diminutive receiver (5-foot-8, 181 pounds) caught 96 passes for 1,112 yards and six touchdowns as a senior last season for the Tar Heels and is already making big plays for the ‘Boys this offseason.
Because of his small size and lack of elite speed, it’s easy to understand why Switzer fell to the fourth round in the draft. But when it’s all said and done, it won’t be shocking whatsoever if this kid ends up catching more balls in 2017 than any other receiver in his class.