Quote:Nope it was the 3 year culmination of drafting Irvin, Aikman, Smith.  They also drafted Moose Johnston and two pro bowl offensive linemen the year they drafted Aikman.  You cannot convince me that Aikman was anything similar to the narrative you're trying to develop where Teddy will lead us to the promised land.  

 

Quote:Nope it was the 3 year culmination of drafting Irvin, Aikman, Smith.  They also drafted Moose Johnston and two pro bowl offensive linemen the year they drafted Aikman.  You cannot convince me that Aikman was anything similar to the narrative you're trying to develop where Teddy will lead us to the promised land.  

 

First off, Irvin blew out his ACL in 1989 and didn't come back until the next year, back during the time where surgical techniques weren't what they are now.  Even though he was a stud in college and wound up being a Hall of Famer, there was still no guarantee with him early in Aikman's career.

 

Secondly, Dallas while technically Dallas drafted two Pro Bowl OL in 1989- the year they drafted Aikman-only one of those guys, Mark Stepnoski, actually played for Dallas.  Steve Wisniewski was traded to the Raiders that same draft day for more picks.

 

Furthermore, I think your requirement of an immediate turnaround is unrealistic.  Under your rationale, since the Steelers didn't become winners until 1972-two full seasons after Bradshaw was picked first and three after Mean Joe Greene was picked first, that means they were not successful picks.  Under that same rationale, since Aikman didn't notch his first winning season until his third year, he was somehow a failed pick.  Bruce Smith was the first overall pick in 1985, and his first winning season didn't come until 1987.  Anyone who knows anything about their careers could tell you they were well worth those picks.

 

Given the seemingly endless array of holes on this team, it would be unrealistic to hold ANYBODY to the standard of turning this team around immediately.  Barring an all time great draft, Blackmon returning and staying eligible and healthy, and rookies from this year developing at a much faster rate than they are now, it'll take at least a couple of years to get it turned around.  But it doesn't mean the pick will be a failure.

---