Information asymmetry is a term used in contract theory and economics to describe situations in which one party has more or better information than the other.
Two parties involved in such an information asymmetry are the NFL teams on the one hand and the fans and draft media on the other.
Over the years, fans and analysts have created more sophisticated plans and strategies and outright fantasies about what they think NFL teams should do. Draft preparation is no longer about trying to predict what teams are going to do, today it is much more about telling teams what to do – and then criticizing them for failing to follow whatever fake draft or big plate someone has put up.
Behind it all lies an inherent distrust of the scouting competence of NFL teams, all 32 of which have infinitely more information about draft prospects at their disposal than any draftsman out there. but when it prevented anyone from declaring aloud that his or her team should formulate this or that possibility, or otherwise!
So every year we wonder if cowboys know exactly what they’re doing (“Dude, very unlikely!”(And it may end up looking like geniuses, or whether this is just a big dumb team trying and failing to beat everyone else again)“I told you they should have drafted JJ Watt!!!!”)?
Only time will tell.
Here’s a quick look at some of the media scores featured so far in yesterday’s Cowboys picks.
58. Cowboys: Luke Schoonmaker, TE, Michigan
in order to win: degree: B
That’s one way to replace Dalton Schultz — draft essentially the same exact player at Schoonmaker. Except he would be a 24-year-old rookie. It does not present a matching problem. And it should probably open more than you would ideally like. Please, Mike McCarthy, never change.
SI.com: degree: B-
The Cowboys found a replacement for Dalton Schultz with Schoonmaker, who provides versatility as a solid pass leader and blocker. Schoonmaker, who will now catch passes from Dak Prescott, has averaged 11.8 yards per reception in college.
Ovarian report: degree: c +
Schoonmaker is a strong prospect, but the Cowboys may have been able to get him later in the draft. The tight end is a huge need for the Cowboys, so the choice makes sense.
Yahoo Sports: degree: c
For the second year in a row, the Cowboys used a high pick to select a player with significant personal concerns. Williams has a great ability to lunge hard, and he’s able to cut through barriers like few racers in this class. He’s a Top 50 Talented Bulldog player, but concerns about some past off-field incidents remain a concern.
Athlete: Class: c-
Sheer size (6-5 ¼, 251) coupled with a quality senior year led to Schoonmaker having a strong senior season at Michigan. Despite the shoulder injuries, Schoonmaker finished with 35 catches for 418 yards and three touchdowns for the Big Ten Champion Wolverines. This was his only season as a tight end at Michigan.
Schoonmaker ran the 40 in 4.63 seconds in the combine. He may not have been physically elite in any area, but he’s strong enough as a road runner and blocker to become an asset as the No. 2 or No. 3 tight end.
SB nation: degree: c-
I didn’t think Schoonmaker would go on a second day, let alone Darnell Washington. Strange choice here.
CBSSports: degree: c-
Strong hands. Not a YAC type at all, and he only broke out at the end of a long career. An interesting player who fills a need but it’s too early.
sports news: degree: Dr
The Cowboys got a revamped tight end room with Dalton Schultz departing in free agency, but this is an odd arrival given Darnell Washington and other better blockers and athletes are left in the position.
NFL.com: There is no degree
Chad Reuter: The departure of Dalton Schultz in free agency means the Cowboys will be in the market for a tight end this year. Schoonmaker is a fluid athlete who can contribute as a blocker as well. Injury limited him a bit in 2022, but with a second-round stint on tight ends, the selection made sense in Dallas’ spot. Overtaking adds depth to a squad of team players.
Eric Edholm: Dallas has some good options to replace Dalton Schultz within the company already, but has found a two-way option as a blocker and short receiver. Schoonmaker is a bit of a late type, but he’s a very solid and complete contributor who rose through the pre-draft process.
ESPN: There is no degree
After taking a Michigan man in the first round in Smith, the Cowboys went with another man in Schoonmaker. He can do whatever the Cowboys want their tight ends to do, working the line as well as the offs. After losing Dalton Schultz in free agency, they needed a tight end to pair up with Jake Ferguson (last year’s fourth round pick), Peyton Hendershot (last year’s undrafted free agent), and Sean McCune. He’s a solid blocker and comes from a Michigan system that values tight ends versatility.
90. Cowboys: DeMarvion Overshown, LB, Texas
Athlete: Class: B
A fast, explosive linebacker built to help stop passing games, Overhown (6-2 ½, 229) had 10 tackles for loss last year (30.5 in a career) with four sacks and five passes defensed for Texas. He has started 33 games in his career and is both physical and aggressive as a forward. He looks like a situational fullback with special teams ability from day one.
sports news: degree: B
The Cowboys have some great midfield play led by Micah Parsons who is bursting with passing and causing havoc, but get good value here on the quick and quick passing, designed to help them a lot with passing coverage.
in order to win: degree: B
Someone to put the developmental pipeline behind Leighton Vander Esch, Overhown works like a safety but plays linebacker. He’s going to have to reinforce, but he can really cover the sidelines for the sidelines like the best of them.
CBSSports: degree: B-
A tall, athletic full-back who is off the ball and has a significant tackle problem. You will find football coverage that is vital. Good, not great for explosion and range.
SI.com: degree: c +
The Overrun is a fast and physical off-the-ball linebacker. He recorded 10 tackles for loss and was named first team All-Big 12 last season.
Ovarian report: degree: c +
Schoonmaker is a strong prospect, but the Cowboys may have been able to get him later in the draft. The tight end is a huge need for the Cowboys, so the choice makes sense.
Ovarian report: degree: c
Texas DeMarvion Overshown is not a complete defender. He has the size (6’3″, 229 lbs.) and the physique to develop into an eventual starter. However, he’s more of an insurance policy with great benefit rather than someone expected to make an immediate contribution other than on special teams.
Yahoo Sports: degree: c-
The Overrun is a draft as far as the NFL is concerned. He has the speed to be a playmaker for the Cowboys. At the very least, he could play some special teams while he’s getting more active.
ESPN: There is no degree
He played several positions for the Texans, but the Cowboys would view him as a weak linebacker in D.C. Quinn’s scheme. with Leighton Vander Esch And Damon Clark As the top two linebackers (count Micah Parsons As an edge player), the Cowboys needed to find some linebacker help. He filled out the stat sheet, finishing with 30.5 tackles for loss, 9 sacks, 3 forced fumbles and 3 interceptions. Another feature of the Cowboys — and why special teams coordinator John Fassel was seen on the draft room camera at the time of the selection — is making his special teams, as well as starting 32 of his last 33 games for Texas.
NFL.com: There is no degree
Eric Edholm: Bypass is a former safety who brings good coverage and lightning skill to Dallas, which is less than an hour away from where he grew up. His cap may be limited by a smaller frame, some injuries to his history and occasionally out-of-control play, but transgression can be a source of energy on defense and special teams.
SB nation: degree: b +
The overrun is a tall, tall defender who is a running and stalking player at best. When he sees it all unfold, he can get off in an instant. He’s got the range as a former safety, and Dan Quinn could put him to good use in Dallas.
Now that you’ve got a (short) night to sleep on, how do you feel about the Cowboys’ second-day draft?