The Dallas Cowboys were looking for ways to improve their special teams when they drafted Ryan Switzer in the fourth round. The rookie receiver did his job. The 133rd overall pick ranked third in kickoff returns averaging 25 yards per return and 12th in punt returns with almost nine yards per punt return. Switzer is also the first Cowboy to return a punt for a score since 2013. He ran back a punt against Washington in Week 13 for an 83-yard touchdown. Switzer finished the season with 24 kickoff returns for 600 yards and 29 punt returns for 256 yards and a touchdown.
Ryan Switzer seeks to land a spot on the offense in 2018
The Cowboys rookie slot receiver hopes to see more action on the offense in addition to his kick return duties in 2018.
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The Cowboys were able to see Switzer’s abilities in the slot on occasion this season as well. He played a handful of snaps on the offense his rookie campaign and started the final game of the year in place of Cole Beasley who sat out the final game of the season with an illness. Switzer caught six passes for 41 yards and rushed four times for five yards in 2017.
Looking ahead to 2018
Switzer could get a big promotion on the Cowboys offense next season. Beasley is owed $3.5 million in the final year of his contract. The Cowboys may look to move on from Beasley after a very lackluster season. Switzer showed he was ready to take on the job, catching four passes for 32 yards in his only start of the season. The Cowboys also made some coaching changes that could play into Switzer’s favor next season. He should definitely have an expanded role in 2018.
Fantasy Slant
Switzer will not be on a lot of owners’ radar next year. He will likely be available on waivers to start the season. Switzer is worth keeping an eye on in 2018. If he gets promoted to the starting slot receiver role, he will have some upsides in the right matchups.
