Two wide receiver prospects Dallas should think about targeting in Round 1 of the draft
There is a very strong possibility that wide receiver will be the best value pick for the Dallas Cowboys in the first-round. Wideouts went through workouts and drills at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday evening. There were some winners and losers, risers and fallers at the position based on the performances. The pass […]
There is a very strong possibility that wide receiver will be the best value pick for the Dallas Cowboys in the first-round.
Wideouts went through workouts and drills at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday evening. There were some winners and losers, risers and fallers at the position based on the performances.
The pass catchers showed off their speed and hands in front of NFL scouts and decision makers, along with a national audience on television. Every 40-yard dash ran and every ball caught — or dropped — was scrutinized.
Coming away from the wide receivers' day at the combine, it is becoming clear that the Cowboys could get great value at the position in April.
WHY WR MAKES SENSE FOR COWBOYS
First of all, the biggest reason why targeting a first-round wide receiver would make sense for the Dallas Cowboys would be due to moving on from Amari Cooper.
Reports in recent weeks suggest that the organization is prepared to cut Cooper in a salary cap-saving move this offseason. Assuming that actually does happen, wide receiver instantly becomes a big need on the roster.
CeeDee Lamb has flashed big potential, but the young wideout out of Oklahoma has failed to put everything together through two seasons. Additionally, Michael Gallup and Cedrick Wilson are both impending free agents. Gallup is also recovering from a torn ACL that was suffered late in the regular season.
One way or another the Cowboys must address the position. Dallas has already tried a wide receivers by committee approach before, and the results were less than ideal. Therefore, it would be wise to avoid a repeat of that scenario.
PLAYERS TO TARGET IN ROUND ONE
The wide receiver position is not top-heavy in the 2022 draft class. There is not a clear alpha at the position in the sense of a Ja'Marr Chase, for instance.
With that said, there is a ton of talent at the position. As many as eight wideouts land inside Dane Brugler's top-50 overall prospects for the upcoming draft. Point being: there is talent to be had.
If the Cowboys are going to target a receiver with their No. 24 overall selection, two prospects immediately jump to mind:
- Treylon Burks, Arkansas
- Chris Olave, Ohio State
Both are among the top at the position in the 2022 class. The two produced against top-notch programs on the collegiate level and possess skill sets that should translate to the NFL well.
Burks did not have the best outing in Indianapolis from a drill and workout perspective. He ran an official 4.55-second 40-yard dash, well behind several others that ran on Thursday. Additionally, Burks is not the greatest athlete in the world.
Yet, he is a unique player that has drawn comparisons to San Francisco 49ers All-Pro playmaker Deebo Samuel. If his combine performance causes Burks to slip to the Cowboys' selection, Dallas should not hesitate to grab Brugler's No. 13 ranked prospect.
On the flip side, Olave put together a nice combine performance. From running a 4.39 40-yard dash to looking smooth in drills, the Ohio State product impressed.
Olave helped his draft stock in Indianapolis. He is a silky-smooth athlete that will provide an offense with a vertical downfield threat. That would complement Lamb well.
Dallas has plenty of needs to address this offseason. There will be receivers available in later rounds.
However, there is a chance that wideout would be the best value for the Cowboys in round one.
Featured image via Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
