Dallas Cowboys: Battle between backup wide receivers will be intense

The Dallas Cowboys have one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. With Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb, and Michael Gallup leading the way, the coaching staff doesn't have to worry about who's starting and who's not. However, they will face some tough decisions once cutdown day arrives in a few months. If the Cowboys […]

Mauricio Rodriguez Dallas Cowboys News Writer
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Dallas Cowboys, Wide Receiver
Dec 8, 2020; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Noah Brown (85) runs after the catch Baltimore Ravens linebacker Chris Board (49) defends during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Cowboys have one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. With Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb, and Michael Gallup leading the way, the coaching staff doesn't have to worry about who's starting and who's not. However, they will face some tough decisions once cutdown day arrives in a few months.

If the Cowboys decide to carry six wide receivers on their 53-man roster, there might not be a lot of excitement at the position. However, if they decide to carry just five while trusting their "Big 3" to remain healthy throughout the season, it will make for one of the most interesting training camp battles.

The names to watch behind the starters seem pretty clear.

  • Noah Brown
  • Cedrick Wilson
  • Simi Fehoko (Rookie)

Noah Brown has been with the Cowboys since 2017 and since then has played 37 games with the Cowboys. Although he hasn't played a lot of snaps on offense, Brown has become a valuable player on special teams. In 2020, he played in 47% of the special teams' snaps which was good for the fifth-most in Dallas.

Brown also provides value as a blocker in the running game, proving himself against linebackers and defensive backs consistently.

Although Cedrick Wilson doesn't provide as much value in special teams as Brown does, he should have the edge on offense. In 2020, Wilson caught 17 passes and racked up 189 yards, including a 42-yard touchdown catch against the Seattle Seahawks.

Wilson's versatility to play outside and inside makes him a valuable WR4 and he seems like an early favorite to be the main backup on offense.

Yet the true wildcard of this conversation is fifth-round rookie Simi Fehoko, from Stanford. Fehoko's best play came in 2020 when he received All-Pac-12 Honors after catching 37 passes for 584 yards.

Fehoko might seem like a long shot to make the 53-man roster, but it wouldn't be a surprise if the Cowboys carry six receivers just for him to stick around. At worst, Fehoko can be a special teams contributor right away. At best, his size and speed develop faster than expected as he earns some situational snaps as a rookie on offense.

If Fehoko develops like the Cowboys want him to, he could be an important player for Dallas in the short term. After all, Michael Gallup, Noah Brown, and Cedrick Wilson are all playing in contract years.

One way or another, this works in favor of the rookie's chances of making the 53-man roster.

These three receivers will likely headline the wide receiver talk in training camp and while the three have a chance to make the cut together, one could very well be the odd man out.

Judging by the talent at the position, it's a good problem for the Dallas Cowboys to have.

Featured Image Via Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports