Cowboys use seventh-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft on WR Jalen Brooks
The Dallas Cowboys entered the draft not necessarily needing to draft a wide receiver early after trading veteran Brandin Cooks to go with CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup. As a result, they waited until their final draft selection to address the position. With the 244th pick, the Cowboys took Jalen Brooks from South Carolina. Brooks […]
The Dallas Cowboys entered the draft not necessarily needing to draft a wide receiver early after trading veteran Brandin Cooks to go with CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup.
As a result, they waited until their final draft selection to address the position. With the 244th pick, the Cowboys took Jalen Brooks from South Carolina.
Brooks began his career at Wingate in 2018 and had 17 receptions for 297 yards and four touchdowns. After 35 receptions for 751 yards and six touchdowns a year later, Brooks transferred to Tarleton State but never played a game for them.
Instead, Brooks came to South Carolina after transferring from North Carolina and put up 100 yards on 11 catches in 2020. After just 181 yards a year later, Brooks had his best campaign by far in 2022 with 33 receptions for 504 yards and one score.
Brooks only ran 4.69 in the 40-yard dash so he's not explosive. However, at 6'2" and 202 pounds with 34 1/8" inch arms, a 35-inch vertical jump, and a 10'10" broad jump, Brooks has size and athleticism.
As a seventh-round pick, Brooks isn't expected to come and wow anyone. He's a project player with some promising traits. So, you roll the dice and see what you can get with Brooks, and if that's not much, it's not too much of a setback.
Brooks scouting report via Pro Football Network:
Former small-school wide receiver who jumped onto the scouting radar after a terrific campaign. Uses his hands to separate from defenders, tracks the pass in the air, and adjusts backward to grab the ball in stride. Possesses eye/hand coordination and extends to make the reception away from his frame. Flashes big-play ability and shows good playing speed. Gives effort blocking.
