There’s no denying the Dallas Cowboys have a really good wide receiver duo in Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup, but the depth behind them is thin and unproven. As such, the Cowboys are going to be in the market for more WR help at some point in the 2020 NFL Draft and fortunately this year’s draft class is a deep one.
Now, just because this year’s wide receiver draft class is plush with talent doesn’t mean each prospect is a good fit with the Dallas Cowboys. With that in mind, I’ve decided to identify who I believe to be the best WR options for the Cowboys in each round of the draft. As always, please feel free to use the comment section to share whether or not you agree or disagree.
Let’s get started…
Round 1: Jerry Jeudy, Alabama
Any of the Top 3 wide receivers – CeeDee Lamb, Henry Ruggs III, Jerry Jeudy – in the 2020 NFL Draft would be good fits with the Dallas Cowboys, but Jeudy is the perfect WR for Dak Prescott. Jeudy’s precise route running, speed, and ability to pick up yards after the catch would take the Cowboys passing into an entirely different level. Much like Amari Cooper, he’s going to be a handful for any defensive back to cover one-on-one on the outside or in the slot.
Honorable Mention: Justin Jefferson (LSU), Denzel Mims (Baylor)
Round 2: Jalen Reagor, TCU
Jalen Reagor is one of the more explosive and versatile wide receivers in the entire 2020 draft class and as such may sneak into the first-round. He can play inside or out, although his best fit in the NFL is probably playing predominantly out of the slot. Reagor is somebody the Dallas Cowboys would want to manufacture touches for in the passing game and as a gadget player as well. He’s also one the best punt returners in this year’s draft class.
Honorable Mention: K.J. Hamler (Penn State), Laviska Shenault (Colorado)
Round 3: Bryan Edwards, South Carolina
Bryan Edwards is a big, physical wide receiver with the versatility to play outside or inside in the NFL. He was at his best playing out of the slot at South Carolina, which is why I believe he would make an excellent “big slot” target for the Dallas Cowboys. He shows good route running ability on film to create favorable throwing windows, but needs to become a little more consistent catching the ball. If he can do that, his ceiling grows tremendously as a WR prospect.
Honorable Mention: Chase Claypool (Notre Dame), Van Jefferson (Florida)
Round 4: Devin Duvernay, Texas
If the Dallas Cowboys want to draft the most surehanded wide receiver in the entire 2020 draft class, Devin Duvernay is there guy. Duvernay’s strong, vice grip like hands and his ability to adjust passes thrown outside his frame make him an intriguing slot option for the Cowboys. He’s built more like a running back than receiver and plays like one with the ball in his hands. Unfortunately his RB build makes him a little stiff, which hurts him a little getting in and out of his breaks.
Honorable Mention: K.J. Hill (Ohio State), Antonio Gibson (Memphis)
Round 5: Quintez Cephus, Wisconsin
Quintez Cephus is one of the more confusing wide receiver prospects in this year’s draft class. He was the go-to WR in Wisconsin’s predominantly run heavy offense, but poor testing at the NFL Scouting Combine contradict his ability to be so at the next level. He has build up speed and a sneaky way of getting behind the defense as a down the field target. With the Dallas Cowboys, I think he would be a “big slot”, possession type of weapon in the passing game.
Honorable Mention: Quartney Davis (Texas A&M), Tyler Johnson (Minnesota)
Round 6: Joe Reed, Virginia
At this point in the draft the Dallas Cowboys will likely be looking for wide receivers with intriguing traits worth developing. Joe Reed definitely falls into this category. He is a well-built, speedy slot receiver who has proven to be a dynamic weapon anytime he touches the ball. He is an outstanding kick returner and can flip field position in an instant, but offensively he’s an underdeveloped route runner and will need time to develop his craft at the next level.
Honorable Mention: Isaiah Hodgins (Oregon State), Dezmon Patmon (Washington State)
Round 7: Jeff Thomas, Miami
If you watch Jeff Thomas’ highlight reel he looks like a first-round prospect, but his character concerns likely make him a borderline draftable player. If the Dallas Cowboys checkoff on his character concerns, they would be getting a receiver who can attack all three levels of the field from the slot. He still needs to develop as a route runner, but in the meantime he could serve as the primary kick and punt returner and add some much-needed depth to the WR position.
Honorable Mention: Kendrick Rogers (Texas A&M), Darnell Mooney (Tulane)
