In the 2021 season, the Dallas Cowboys had one of the best wide receiver groups in the entire NFL. Former first-round pick Ceedee Lamb took steps forward and established himself as one of the best young wideouts in the league. Amari Cooper was his usual self with 865 yards in fifteen games. Cedrick Wilson and Michael Gallup combined for over 1,000 receiving yards as well to help round out the Dallas passing attack.
Then turnover came in the off-season. WIth both Gallup and Wilson scheduled to be free agents, it was expected that Lamb and Cooper would be running the show. However, Dallas had different ideas as Gallup was re-signed early in the free agency process. This was followed by trading Cooper to Cleveland. Wilson would sign with the Dolphins eventually.
Now with both Wilson and Cooper gone, the Cowboys could use some more help at the receiver spot. While they did sign former Steelers receiver James Washington, he is mostly unproven at this point. Picking at 24 in April’s draft, they are in a prime position to add a major talent at the position if they so choose.
Christian Watson can be the answer
Hailing from North Dakota State University, Watson was a four-year contributor for the Bison. He save the best for last however as he had 800 receiving yards and seven touchdowns during his senior season. Heading into the draft in April, Watson is known for his tantalizing combination of height, weight, and speed.
At the NFL Scouting Combine, Watson further raised his stock by proving his elite athletic ability. With a 40-yard dash time of 4.36 and a 38.5-inch vertical jump, he was one of the event’s biggest winners. Projected by many to be a late first-round pick, his performance at the annual event only confirmed that.
Not likely to go high in the first round as he is still a relatively raw player who played against lower competition. For Dallas, they are picking in a prime position to select Watson. With Lamb and Gallup already in tow, they can afford to be patient with him as well. However, the potential is certainly there for him to be a contributor from day one. Wide receiver might not be the Cowboys’ biggest need, but they can lock the position up for the next several years by selecting Watson.
