Preaching To The Lunatics: Defending My Negative Opinion On The Duece Vaughn Pick
I hope Deuce Vaughn is incredible and blows the comparison of “Darren Sproles” out of the water. Who wouldn’t want that out of a 6th round draft pick?
That’s the preface. Here are the facts. So pump the fucking breaks.
I don’t wish anything bad on the dude, I’m happy to eat my words, but the internet is full of lunatics. And logic and reason must be defended against such lunatics!
Lunatics who are completely convinced we have just drafted our next perennial 1000+ yard runner and receiver. A true gadget player, with a tool set that is designed to unhinge NFL defences and blow the game wide open at any point for the Dallas Cowboys.
They will use the Alabama game as a reason that Vaughn’s 5’5” height will not be a negative factor for him in the NFL. In fact, the lunatics continue, it will be his “superpower”.
The lunatics preach that his shortness is going to help hide him behind the line, and defenders are going to have a hell of a time finding him. Did I mention the lunatics are already calling him the next Darren Sproles? I knew I did, but that’s the big torch they’re carrying.
I’m not buying it one bit.
Deuce had great numbers in college. He also ended with a disappointing 2.4 yards after contact per attempt and a 44% elusiveness rating from PFF. If he gets touched, he’s going down.
As great as Deuce was, and I give him props for turning it up for Kansas State, their strength of schedule ranked 26th over 3 years. That’s only inflated by last year, where Kansas State had the 7th ranked hardest schedule.
There was also no one else on Kansas State who could catch the football or run with it, and this could go both ways, depending on what you think.
You could say that even with no one else on the field who could make a play, Deuce Vaughn still was productive even though the defense knew he was going to get the football.
And Vaughn had his best season in 2022. But, It also was the season where Kansas State finally got “somewhat” competent wide receivers to throw the ball to.
The top receptions for a wide receiver at Kansas State were 19 in 2020, 43 in 2021, and 48 in 2022. So the team got better year over year, but those are very low numbers for your top wide receiver to have.
I think for sure the guy was called to action and performed very well. Deuce was given or thrown the ball 35% of the time in 2022 and 38% of the time in 2021.
My point is that Duece Vaughn was destined to do well in college due to his workload. And he delivered. Kudos to Vaughn.
But, “inflated stats due to lack of surrounding talent” and “average-quality competition” are my rebuttals to his stats. Including the Alabama game. He also had a stinker against Iowa State. That’s not a wash, and it might just show that Deuce can rise to the level of his rivals when duty calls. That’s a great quality to have. But you can’t ignore the duds.
The question has never really been about how Deuce Vaughn performed in college. It is, “how can these lunatics be so sure that a 5’5” running back is going to have success in the NFL?”
What happens when Deuce gets loose and then gets popped by a 6’3, 230 lb defender? That’s 15% taller and 28% heavier. I do have a serious concern that this guy is going to end up injured, often, or even worse, terribly concussed.
You won’t take it from me, so take it from one of the biggest running backs in the NFL, Derrick Henry, as he explains the difference between college football and the NFL.
He makes a good point. You can ignore it. You can’t ignore the following facts. I won’t let you.
Total Games Started For 6th Round Draft Picks: 1.9%
All Pro Status Chance For 6th Round Draft Picks: 3.5%
12.5% Chance To Be On Opening Day Roster (6th & 7th Round Picks)
94% “Bust” rating for 6th round running backs
I probably didn’t even need to research those, but a 6th round pick, and running back at that, has such a small chance at playing that I just want to solidify my lunatic’s theory.
And the Dallas Cowboys passed on some much better running backs who were available to fill the void left by the early exit of Zeke: Zack Evans played in the SEC and has an NFL sized body, and DeWayne McBride was a better flyer to take a chance on. Again, with an NFL sized body.
And then there was injured guard Andrew Vorhees, who isn’t going to play this season, but would be a for sure starter from 2024 and beyond. Kind of perfect if Zach Martin decides to hang up the cleats sometime soon.
That’s what pisses me off about this pick. It was made because the dad works for the Cowboys, and it was a feel-good pick that was made over a better option at the same position, or shoring up an offensive line with a certain starter.
Bottom line, you all are crazy if you think Deuce Vaughn is going to be dressed in the backfield for the Dallas Cowboys.
P.S., if Deuce Vaughn is the 1B to TP20’s 1A come week 1 of the regular season, I will buy his jersey and eat my words live on camera. No cap.
