The Dallas Cowboys will need to address their wide receiver corps, which is surrounded by many question marks. Luckily for them, Jahan Dotson and a few other options might be available in the second round of the NFL draft.
Who should the Cowboys target in the second round?
Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
Optimally, Jerry Jones would draft an offensive lineman in the first round given last season’s red flags. However, the futures of Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup are not set in stone. If you drafted Jahan Dotson in the second round, you’d certainly alleviate some of your concerns.
The Cowboys might have to trade up to land Dotson, but it will be well worth it. The five-foot-11 speedster displayed an ability to stretch the field in each of his four college seasons. Dotson averaged 15.6, 18.1, 17.0, and 13.0, respectively, when it came to average yards per reception.
Dotson is one of the most explosive players in this year’s receiver class, and this is something that will greatly help quarterback Dak Prescott. His speed and flashy movement stand out on film.
One aspect of his game that will greatly appeal to Jones is Dotson’s versatility. He can stretch defenses as defensive backs will struggle to keep up with his speed, but he’ll also get you tons of yardage after the catch from anywhere on the field, including the slot.
John Metchie III, WR, Alabama
Another option for the Cowboys in the second round might be John Metchie from Alabama. Standing at six feet, Metchie dominated the SEC in several categories throughout his collegiate career. Most notably, he was in the top five in receiving yards the last two years.
Also of note, Metchie proved he was a reliable scoring option by ranking in the top ten in that same stretch with a total of 14 touchdowns.
Much like Dotson, Jones might have to explore some trade scenarios to land Metchie. A torn ACL in the National Championship game hasn’t slowed down the future NFL wide receiver’s draft prospects at all.
Versatility is also Metchie’s top trait. He possesses a solid frame and sufficient size for an NFL receiver. In Alabama (as he’ll likely do in the NFL), Metchie lined up all over the field, either in the slot or out wide. He’ll also be useful on wide receiver screens and isn’t afraid to go after the ball in the middle of the field.
Metchie’s explosiveness and ability to leave defensive backs in the dust will catch Jones’s eyes come April once it’s draft day.
Romeo Doubs, WR, Nevada
If Jones is unable to pull off a trade to acquire Dotson or Metchie, Romeo Doubs would be a fine consolation prize in the second round.
Doubs was one of the Mountain West’s best wide receivers the last two years, if not the best. He was a yardage machine. He accumulated 2,111 receiving yards and found the endzone 20 times during that stretch.
In 2020, Doubs totaled 58 catches, which was tops in the entire conference, and he ranks 11th with 225 career receptions all time as well. Pro Football Focus grades Doubs at 83.7 in the receiving department, which is noteworthy.
Much like the aforementioned prospects, Doubs also has versatility written all over him. He, too, can line up in the slot or use his burst to outrun cornerbacks on the outside. Doubs could become a deep vertical threat for Prescott with a balance of explosiveness and an ability to split defenders with excellent leg work.
Another benefit to drafting Doubs would be his special team’s prowess. That is especially true when returning punts. In his career, he had a career average of 12.5 return yards for punts. At Nevada, he had 463 return yards and scored a touchdown.
