Tony Romo can be a top-five quarterback. Yes, I said it, but I’m talking about in terms of fantasy football.
Due to the amount of points quarterbacks can score for a team in fantasy football, many owners look to build depth at running back and wide receiver before selecting a quarterback. While that is a good strategy, it is essential an owner doesn’t go for so much depth that they overlook a potential steal at quarterback in the middle rounds.
According to Fantasy Football Calculator, Romo is being drafted as the 85th overall player in drafts this offseason. While the number may climb a bit as the season gets closer, Romo is currently the 11th quarterback off the board. That’s too low for someone who finished eighth overall in quarterback scoring last year.
There are a few reasons why Romo can be a top-five quarterback next season.
First, the Cowboys continue to build around Romo and give him the weapons necessary to succeed. Fans of the game understand that good quarterbacks can become great when they’re surrounded by numerous weapons. Peyton Manning had Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker this past season. Brady has had Welker, Gronkowski and Hernandez while Aaron Rodgers had Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb. These quarterbacks are elite already but need weapons around them to consistently perform at the highest level.
The Cowboys acquired Baylor wide receiver Terrance Williams in the NFL draft and he will give Romo another option down the field, along with pull coverage from Miles Austin and Dez Bryant. Futhermore, Williams gives the Cowboys another receiver who can fill in for both Austin and Bryant if any injury arises since they both have had a bad injury history.
Additionally, the Cowboys selected Gavin Escobar from San Diego State who’ll work opposite Jason Witten in two tight end sets. Witten makes it hard enough for defenses and then the Cowboys add a player who is 6’5” and athletic. It’ll only make things even easier for Romo.
These two selections alone make the Cowboys more potent offensively and will make it extremely difficult for opponents to cover every player well enough to slow down the passing attack. In addition, due to the numerous options on the field, opponents will be forced to blitz less, which will give Romo more time in the pocket to make smarter decisions with the ball.
When Romo has time in the pocket, he’s proven he’s a better player.
According to Dallascowboys.com, in 2012, when the defense showed a blitz and then sent five or more rushers, Romo only completed 58% of his passes (55 of 95) while averaging 6.48 yards per attempt as well as throwing three touchdowns and six interceptions.
In times when the defense didn’t blitz, Romo completed 68% percent of his passes averaging 7.5 yards per attempt (303 of 449), while throwing 20 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
The second reason Romo should crack the top five in fantasy quarterbacks this year is because the Cowboys improved the offensive line. Before the draft, the team re-signed Phil Costa who has been with the team for three years. Also, Dallas selected Wisconsin lineman Travis Frederick. Both should be able to help give Romo protection on the offensive line.
In games where injuries hurt the depth of the Cowboys offensive line, it showed in Romo’s play. Giving Romo time and keeping the pocket clean will allow for more consistent numbers from the quarterback.
In addition to the new players and the improved offensive line, Romo should be able to improve his touchdowns numbers from last year, which is one of the quickest ways to improve your scoring in fantasy football. While Romo had 28 touchdowns last season, he had eight games where he threw one or zero touchdowns. There’s a ton of room to grow.
While the Cowboys understand they need to mix in more of a run game for Romo, he has numerous weapons offensively, that the touchdowns should come easier and more frequently than last season.
Lastly, the Cowboys are changing play calling duties this season. Along with Jason Garrett, Romo will have a say in the play calls. People may not view this as a big change, but it has the potential to be huge. Romo is the type of player who forces throws and makes bad decisions.
Now, Romo will now be able to influence Jason Garrett towards plays he may be more comfortable running. This way, instead of Romo going along with a play that Garrett calls into the huddle, and making a bad decision, Romo can lead the team based on his and their strengths, especially against the defense he’s played against in the game.
This should limit his turnovers which will elevate him in fantasy football scoring.
Romo is a very good fantasy football quarterback but I believe this is the year he vaults into the top five. Currently, he is being selected in the early seventh round as owners look to build the core of their team early in the first few rounds. While that is important, landing an elite fantasy quarterback is too. When the time comes, don’t think of Romo as the same old Romo as he has the tools and experience to succeed.
Well, at least in fantasy football.