Former Cowboys scout predicts team's WR board for Round 2 of NFL Draft
Last year, the Dallas Cowboys draft class appeared to fit one theme that HC Mike McCarthy established right after the team's Wild Card playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers: Overall nastiness. Simply put, the Cowboys were pushed around in that game. The 49ers won at the line of scrimmage down after down which led […]
Last year, the Dallas Cowboys draft class appeared to fit one theme that HC Mike McCarthy established right after the team's Wild Card playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers: Overall nastiness.
Simply put, the Cowboys were pushed around in that game. The 49ers won at the line of scrimmage down after down which led to a first-round exit and a home playoff loss. And as a result, the team sought physical players to change things. They got Tyler Smith, Sam Williams, and Jake Ferguson, among others.
Well, one year later and another playoff loss to the 49ers later, there appears to be another theme in line for the Cowboys: pass catchers for quarterback Dak Prescott.
In the team's January loss to the Brock Purdy-led 49ers, one thing was made clear. As soon as then DC DeMeco Ryans took CeeDee Lamb away, no one else generated separation in that game. Couple that with one of Dak's worst performances ever and the Cowboys were sent back to the couch to enjoy the rest of the playoffs on TV.
Perhaps that's why the team has hosted many first-round wide receiver prospects as Top 30 visitors including Quentin Johnston, Zay Flowers, Jalin Hyatt, and even Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Insiders have also heavily hinted that the Cowboys might be leaning toward grabbing a tight end in the first round.
But things can get crazy in the first round as you probably know. So if the board forces the Cowboys to take a different route, what receivers would the front office be targeting to solve the team's current problem? Who are they higher on among the many wideouts who are expected to be selected in the second round?
Former Cowboys scout and current insider Bryan Broaddus was asked this question on Twitter and he came through with a pretty intriguing ranking.
- Cedric Tillman, Tennessee
- Marvin Mims, Oklahoma
- Jonathan Mingo, Ole Miss
- Rashee Rice, SMU
Out of those four, Marvin Mims might be the only one who doesn't fit the "big wide receiver" profile. However, he's a guy who can win thanks to his explosiveness and versatility.
Mingo was a Top 30 visitor for the team and has been one of the biggest risers throughout the entire Draft process. He performed well in the Senior Bowl and many expect him to go early on Day 2 because of his size and feet speed combination.
While the Cowboys only hosted Tillman's teammate Jalin Hyatt on a Top 30 visit, WR coach Robert Prince led both's WR drills during the Vols Pro Day earlier in the offseason.
The team has also scouted Rashee Rice up close and could be the next of many recent talented SMU wide receivers in the NFL. He also fits the size parameters for the league.
One thing is for certain: The Cowboys are clearly looking at pass catchers next week. It'll be intriguing to see where (and for who) they pull the trigger in each round. Perhaps Mel Kiper's and Todd McShay's prophecy of the team going TE-WR to open up the first two rounds comes to life.
