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Dallas Cowboys 2017 NFL Draft: Grading Each Pick

By Steven Mullenax

Sep 10, 2015; Bowling Green, KY, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers running back Leon Allen (33) is brought down by Louisiana Tech Bulldogs safety Xavier Woods (7) down the field during the first half at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Lindsey-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2015; Bowling Green, KY, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers running back Leon Allen (33) is brought down by Louisiana Tech Bulldogs safety Xavier Woods (7) down the field during the first half at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Lindsey-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 3, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Ryan Switzer (3) carries the ball during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Ryan Switzer (3) carries the ball during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /

RYAN SWITZER, WR. A. . Fourth Round, 122nd Overall. North Carolina

Height: 5’8”
Weight: 181 lbs.
Combine 40 Speed/Vertical: 4.51/32
2016 Numbers: 96 recs, 1,112 yards, 6 tds

Analysis: Here’s a name I bet many of us ignored. Ryan Switzer, the diminutive wide receiver and skilled punt returner out of North Carolina. As what looked to be a Cole Beasley clone, I figured why would the Cowboys look twice at this prospect? They already have one of those!

But then you start to look deeper. The first obvious question is: do you like Beasley? The answer is yes. Then why not have another one? But Switzer is much more. Although not as crisp a route runner as the “Bease”, Ryan has more juice.

Switzer has many of the traits we all love in Beasley. The former Tar Heel is a precise route runner, quick off the line of scrimmage and always finds a way to get open. But Switzer is also dangerous in open space. He has Barry Sanders-like moves that have defenders smashing into one another.

Obviously, Switzer isn’t a big guy. He’s not going to power his way through defenders and break tackles. But he’s slippery and explosive. And the idea of Switzer and Beasley on the field at the same time should give NFL defensive coordinators nightmares.

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