Managing rookie expectations doesn’t just have practical benefits but it also offers psychological and emotional ones. From a planning perspective, the Cowboys want to set realistic expectations for their 2023 draft class. It helps them build a developmental plan and other roster decisions. Emotionally and psychologically, it protects from disappointment and calms an otherwise tense situation.
First-round picks may come with first-round expectations, but not all first rounders are the same and some take time to develop. Such could be the case with the Cowboys’ top pick Mazi Smith.
Late-round picks usually come with diminished expectations but in the case of Deuce Vaughn, expectations seem to be sky-high in Cowboys Nation. Some players are more developmental in nature while others were drafted to help immediately.