Cowboys Draft Prospects: Wide Receivers

While the Cowboys are expected to resign Amari Cooper during the offseason, if he somehow slips away, the wide receiver immediately becomes a position of need for Dallas.

Even with him on the squad, getting Dak Prescott another weapon is never a bad option. With Michael Gallup also on the team, having a young, dynamic, third receiver would bring another gear to this offense.

In one of the most loaded skill position drafts in recent memory, there will be plenty of players for Jerry Jones and company to select from. Especially in the early rounds, where if the wideout is the position they want to take, there could be three or four players worth selecting.

A mix of players who could play out wide or in the slot, what type of receiver the Cowboys select can also be debated.

Here is a look at 6 receivers the Cowboys could take in the first round, or even later in the second or third round.

CeeDee Lamb (Oklahoma)

This one may be a stretch for the Cowboys as Lamb will more than likely be off the board by the 17th pick, but if he is available, he is more than likely too good of a player to pass up on, no matter what position is considered a need. Recording back to back 1,000 receiving yard seasons, Lamb averaged an insane 21.4 yards per reception in 2019.

When looking at the tape, the man is always open with the nearest defender being five yards off of him. Once in space, good luck catching him as Lamb is the yards after catch (YAC) king. While picking up Lamb may be a bit of a dream, his ability would make the Cowboys’ receiving core one of the best in the NFL.

Henry Ruggs (Alabama)

There is one word in the dictionary that can be used to describe Henry Ruggs and that word is speed. Playing in a stacked Crimson Tide receiving core throughout his three seasons, Ruggs maybe has been overshadowed by Jerry Jeudy and Devanta Smith, but he is just as good as the other two. Not having the best statistical season, Ruggs is another YAC guy.

Give him the ball in space and he is going to blow right by the defense. Expected to run under a 4.3 40 yard dash, Ruggs will more than likely be the fastest player in this year’s draft. Much like Lamb, he would be a dangerous addiction to the receiving corps. Getting him in space on quick throws would benefit Dak Prescott and the offense, increasing the number of big plays throughout the season.

Tee Higgins (Clemson)

Breaking out on the national stage the past two seasons with Clemson, Higgins is one of the most underrated players going into this year’s draft. Playing with future No. 1 overall pick Trevor Lawrence, he has been one of the best receivers in the ACC and the country. A big and physical 6 feet 4 inches, Higgins is a hard player to guard, especially with how quick and mobile he is.

If the Cowboys want to go with a wide receiver with the 17th overall pick, Higgins more than likely will be there and would be a great receiver. Playing on the opposite side of Amari Coopers, Higgins would instantly make the Cowboys more dynamic, having big, physical receivers that also have make you miss ability. He will be able to gain yards after the catch, providing chunk plays for Kellen Moore’s offense.

Jalen Reagor (TCU)

Coming in at 5 feet 11 inches, Reagor is the typical slot receiver that is more than likely going to blow by defenders. Like Ruggs, he is going to have an outstanding 40 yard dash time, proving to be one of the fastest players in the Draft. Not having the best statistical junior season due to poor quarterback play from the Horned Frogs, he still was one of the most dangerous receivers in the entire conference, being up there with other players in this draft.

Where he really made this impact this season was in the return game. Returning 15 punts this season, he had 312 return yards and even took one to the house against Kansas. Put him into a similar role as to what Tavon Austin played this season and Reagor could thrive. More than likely a second-round pick, he will be a hot commodity early on Friday.

Denzel Mims (Baylor)

Somebody who shot up draft boards after the Senior Bowl, Mims is 6 foot 3 inches 206 pounds and has the ability to go get the ball. Recording his first 1,000-yard season his senior year, Mims was one of the best receivers in the Big 12 last season. Getting a touchdown in five out of his last six college games, he was second in the conference in touchdowns.

If you throw the ball up, Mims is going to find a way to catch it, possibly becoming a red zone threat Dallas has not had since Dez Bryant left. More than likely available in the second or third round, Mims would be a great pick up at 51 for the Cowboys. While he would not add that much speed, Mims would be a reliable guy who would catch what is thrown at him, especially near the end zone.

KJ Hill (Ohio State)

Another quick player, Hill could be an absolute bargain for the Cowboys late in Day 2 of the NFL Draft. Playing in one of the best offenses in the country last season, Hill was able to pull in just over 600 yards last season, but got double digits touchdowns with 10. A run-first offense with Justin Fields and J.K. Dobbins, Hill led the team in receptions with 636.

Similar to Reagor, what could make Hill an even more valuable threat for this team is his ability to return punts and kicks. His best return season came in his redshirt sophomore season when he had 33 returns for 294 total yards.